Month: November 2022

The Clash and Public Image Ltd’s Keith Levene dies aged 65: ‘One of the most innovative, audacious and influential guitarists of all time’ News Briefing

The Clash and Public Image Ltd’s Keith Levene dies aged 65: ‘One of the most innovative, audacious and influential guitarists of all time’

By

Keith Levene was a founding member of The Clash (Picture: rex)

Keith Levene, a guitarist with Public Image Ltd and The Clash, has died at the age of 65 as tributes poured in from friends and fans. 

News of his death was confirmed by author and writer Adam Hammond, who tweeted: ‘It is with great sadness I report that my close friend and legendary Public Image Limited guitarist Keith Levene passed away on Friday 11th November.

‘There is no doubt that Keith was one of the most innovative, audacious and influential guitarists of all time.

‘Keith sought to create a new paradigm in music and with willing collaborators John Lydon and Jah Wobble succeeded in doing just that. His guitar work over the nine minutes of ‘Theme’, the first track on the first PiL album, defined what alternative music should be.

‘As well as helping to make PiL the most important band of the age, Keith also founded The Clash with Mick Jones and had a major influence on their early sound. So much of what we listen to today owes much to Keith’s work, some of it acknowledged, most of it not.’

He added: ‘Our thoughts and love go out to his partner Kate, sister Jill and all of Keith’s family and friends. The world is a darker place without his genius. Mine will be darker without my mate.’

Keith Levene (left) and John Lydon (right) formed Public Image Ltd. after the Sex Pistols split (Picture: Betty Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

Keith sought to create a new paradigm in music and with willing collaborators John Lydon and Jah Wobble succeeded in doing just that. His guitar work over the nine minutes of ‘Theme’, the first track on the first PiL album, defined what alternative music should be.2/4 pic.twitter.com/ztSNbg53fl— Adam Hammond (@adthedoor) November 12, 2022

Our thoughts and love go out to his partner Kate, sister Jill and all of Keith’s family and friends. The world is a darker place without his genius. Mine will be darker without my mate.4/4 pic.twitter.com/IPAMeqa7eW— Adam Hammond (@adthedoor) November 12, 2022

RIP Keith Levene – a guitar tone like ground up diamonds fired at you through a high pressure hose— Andy Bell (@Andybebop) November 12, 2022

Levene began his career in the music industry as a roadie for Yes in the early 1970s before founding The Clash alongside Mick Jones in 1976, before famously convincing Joe Strummer to leave The 101ers and join their band.

He left The Clash before the band began recording music and went on to form Public Image Ltd in 1978 with John Lydon following the break-up of the Sex Pistols. 

Levene left PiL in 1983, going on to work on solo material and production among other things, going on to invest in cryptocurrency in his later years. 

PiL’s Jah Wobble tweeted: ‘RIP KEITH LEVENE’ while Ride’s Andy Bell added: ‘RIP Keith Levene – a guitar tone like ground up diamonds fired at you through a high pressure hose.’

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Pierre Kartner, The Smurfs musician better known as Father Abraham, dies aged 87

MORE : Strictly star Molly Rainford reveals professional partner Carlos Gu has banned her from dating