At a Glance
- Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin, co-founder and former guitarist of Black Midi, died at 26 after a long mental-health struggle
- Family statement: “A talented musician and a kind, loving man finally succumbed; despite all efforts”
- He left the band in 2021 citing mental-health issues and did not appear on later albums
- Why it matters: The tragedy spotlights rising mental-health crises among young musicians and prompts calls to check on loved ones
Black Midi co-founder and guitarist Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin has died at age 26, his family confirmed Monday, Jan. 12, through the band’s label, Rough Trade Records.
A representative for Kwasniewski-Kelvin relayed the news to News Of Losangeles. No cause of death was disclosed.
Family Statement: “He Finally Succumbed”
In their statement, the family wrote:
> “It is with deep sadness that we as a family regret to inform you that Matthew Kwasniewski-Kelvin had died after a long battle with his mental health. A talented musician and a kind, loving man finally succumbed; despite all efforts … He will always be loved. Please take a moment to check in with your loved ones so we can stop this happening to our young men.”
Rough Trade echoed the sentiment in its own post:
> “Rough Trade Records would like to extend deepest sympathy to the Kwasniewski-Kelvin family … an incredibly talented person who will be truly missed.”
The label urged anyone struggling to contact mental-health charities including Mind, CALM, and Samaritans.
Career Highlights and Departure
Kwasniewski-Kelvin played on Schlagenheim, Black Midi’s Mercury Prize-shortlisted 2019 debut. In January 2021 he stepped away, saying:
> “I’ve been taking some time off from the band as I have been mentally unwell … I haven’t featured on forthcoming material. I’ll be back soon.”
The remaining members-Geordie Greep, Cameron Picton, and Morgan Simpson-voiced support at the time:
> “We’re fully behind our best mate in his recovery and can’t wait ’til we can all be + play together again.”
Timeline of Key Events
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Black Midi forms in London |
| 2019 | Releases Schlagenheim, nominated for Mercury Prize |
| 2021 | Kwasniewski-Kelvin exits for mental-health reasons |
| 2021 | Band issues Cavalcade without Kwasniewski-Kelvin |
| 2022 | Hellfire released |
| Aug 2024 | Greep announces hiatus on Instagram Live |
| Jan 12 2025 | Family confirms Kwasniewski-Kelvin’s death |
Hiatus and Solo Projects
In August 2024 frontman Greep declared an indefinite hiatus. Bandmate Picton later posted (since deleted) that members had agreed not to frame the pause as a breakup. A rep told Pitchfork the group is “on a hiatus for now while they are working on solo projects.”
Support Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental-health challenges, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org, 24/7.
