Innovative guitarist Keith Levene, co-founder of The Clash and later Public Image Ltd., died of liver cancer on Friday at the age of 65 at his home in Norfolk, UK. Writer/author Adam Hammond confirmed the death.
“It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my good friend and legendary Public Image Limited guitarist, Keith Levene, on Friday November 11,” Hammond wrote. “There is no doubt that Keith was one of the most innovative, daring and influential guitarists of all time.”
Hammond added, “Keith sought to create a new paradigm in music and with willing collaborators John Lydon and Jah Wobble did just that. His guitar work during the nine minutes of “Theme”, the first track on the first PiL- album, defined what alternative music should be. Keith not only helped make PiL the most important band of the time, he also co-founded The Clash with Mick. Jones and was a huge influence on their early sound. So much some of what we hear today is due to Keith’s work, some credited, some not.”
Hammond concluded: “Our thoughts and love go out to his partner Kate, sister Jill and all Keith’s family and friends. The world is a dark place without his genius. Mine will be darker without my partner.
Levene started as a roadie for Yes in the early 1970s and formed The Clash with Mick Jones in 1976. Together they persuaded Joe Strummer to join them. Levene appeared on early shows with The Clash and contributed the song “What’s My Name” to the group’s 1977 debut.
But Levene left The Clash before they started recording music. After the Sex Pistols disbanded, he formed Public Image Ltd with John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten).
her first album, External presentation: first editionreached number 22 on the charts in 1978, followed by the top 10 single “Public Image”. Their second album, 1979 metal box, is considered a post-punk classic. He left PiL in 1983.
He is survived by Kate Ransford, who accompanied him in his last hours along with his sister Jill Bennett and her husband. Information about memorial plans was not immediately available.
Writer: Bruce Herring
Source: Deadline
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