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Clash co-founder dead: Keith Levene was 65 years old
Keith Levene, the pioneering British guitarist who co-founded The Clash and Public Image Ltd., died Friday of liver cancer. He was 65 years old.
Author Adam Hammond confirmed the departure of the punk pioneer Saturday’s statement on Twitter.
“It is with great sadness to inform you that my close friend and legendary guitarist of Public Image Limited, Keith Levene, passed away on Friday, November 11,” he wrote.
“There is no doubt that Keith was one of the most innovative, bold and influential guitarists of all time.”
Born in London in 1957, Levene began as a teenager in the early 1970s as a Yes service worker. He gained fame after forming The Clash with guitarist Mick Jones and bassist Paul Simonon at the age of just 18. It was Levene and manager Bernard Rhodes who persuaded vocalist Joe Strummer, the frontman of the 101ers at the time, to join the band.
Although he had seen early success with The Clash, Levene grew tired of their political songs and left before they began recording. He memorably contributed to the creation of “What’s My Name” on the band’s 1977 debut album.
He later co-founded Public Image with Sex Pistols singer John Lydon (formerly known as Johnny Rotten) and bassist John Wardle (known as Jah Wobble). Jim Walker was recruited on drums.
Thanks to them, he enjoyed greater fame, including the hit “Public Image” from their popular 1978 debut album “Public Image: First Issue”. The band’s second album, “Metal Box” from 1979, is considered a classic example of the post-punk genre. He left the group in 1983.
Levene (left) started Public Image with John Lydon – aka Johnny Rotten – after The Clash.
John Lydon (left) – aka Johnny Rotten – visited Virgin Records in London with Levene in 1980.
Co-founder of Clash contributed to the song “What’s My Name” on the band’s 1977 debut album.
Levene died of liver cancer.
“What happened to me was that when I got good enough to know the rules, I didn’t want to be like any other guitarist,” Levene said in interview with Furious.com in 2001. “I wasn’t trying to be different. I just listened to what was wrong. So if I did something that was wrong, ie made a mistake or did something that was out of key, I was open enough to listen to it again. “
Levene left behind his sister Jill Bennett and partner Kate Ransford.
Ransford tweeted, “RIP keith levene My beloved partner who passed away in our house on 11/22/11 calm, painless, cozy and well-loved. He was an iconic guitarist and composer, my best friend, my love, my everything, I love you to the moon. “
Others went to the social platform on Saturday to mourn.
“Sad time to find out about the departure of guitar giant Keith Levene. We’ve had ups and downs that have softened over time. My respect for his unique talent will never stay. ” Martin Atkins wrote on Twitter who drummed on Public Image intermittently from 1979-1985.
“We’re sorry to hear about Keith Levene’s death. We were lucky enough to work with Keith on the album he recorded with Jah Wobble. Post-punk legend that changed the sound of guitar music ” Cherry Red Records on Twitter.