The rock community was shaken by devastating news, with Rough Trade Records taking to Instagram to announce the passing of Matthew Kwasniewski-Kelvin, founder and guitarist of English metal rock band black midi, due to mental health issues at the age of 26.
black midi, formed in 2017 in London by Kwasniewski-Kelvin, Geordie Greep, Cameron Picton, and Morgan Simpson, started their journey at the BRIT School and quickly gained recognition with their debut single “bmbmbm” and their first studio album, “Schlagenheim,” released via Rough Trade Records.
Despite their success, black midi disbanded in 2024 to focus on solo projects. Greep released a solo album titled “The New Sound,” Simpson embarked on tours drumming for jazz musician Nala Sinephro, and Picton delved into creating music under the moniker Cameron Picture, dropping mixtapes on Bandcamp.
An important message from Rough Trade Records urged followers to prioritize mental health, providing resources from organizations like Mind, CALM, and Samaritans to prevent such tragedies in the future.
In the midst of this loss, the legacy of black midi lives on through their music and individual pursuits, showcasing the resilience and creativity of the band members in the face of adversity.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.