On Friday, November 11, Keith Levene, an English musician and a guitarist for punk-rock bands passed away at the age of 65. He died at his home in Norfolk and left a lasting legacy of influence on British rock music.
Here we will discuss everything you need to know about Keith Levene, his small biography, what happened to him, how he died, how did his loved ones react, and many more.
Who is Keith Levene?
On 18 July 1957, Keith Leven was born to Julian Levenein Muswell Hill, London. He belongs to a Jewish family. He was one of the founding members of both The Clash and Public Images Ltd. Since his teenage years, he was influenced by some famous bands and always wanted to work with them.
Keith Levene got his first breakthrough in the music industry at age 15. He was working as a roadie for the prog-rock band. At age 16, he became founding family of The Clash and The Flowers of Romance. Later, he wrote his first song and “What’s My Name” and it featured on Joe Stummer’s first album.
In 1970, he founded The Clash with Mick Jones but left before they became successful. He then worked with Public Image Ltd (PiL), the post-punk band. With this band, he enjoyed it well and created some of his best, including the hit single “Public Image,” off their popular 1978 debut album “Public Image: First Issue.” The band’s second album, 1979’s “Metal Box,” is regarded as a classic example of the post-punk genre. He left the group in 1983.
He left PiL in 1983 because of some disagreements. He went on to work with other artists, such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers whom he produced demos, as well as American rappers Ice T and Tone Loc. Later Keith created his label under his own name and released the original version of the song This is What You Want…This is What You Get.
Apart from playing in bands, Keith made his own songs, releasing his debut solo album, Violent Opposition, in 1989. Levene’s most recent work, Commercial Zone 2014, was released in 2014.
How Did Keith Levene Die?
Keith Levene died at his home in Norfolk, on Friday, 11 November 2022 after a long batter against liver cancer. The death news was disclosed through his partner, Kate Ransford, and his friend Adam Hammond.
Kate Ransford Wrote on Twitter
RIP keith levene My beloved partner who passed away at our home on 11/11/22 peacefully, painfree ,cosy n well loved .he was an iconic guitarist and composer my best friend , my love , my everything , I love you to the moon 🥰🥰 pic.twitter.com/K6Y2ybnWJt
— bitcoinpurist (@RansfordKate) November 12, 2022
Adam Hammond Wrote on Twitter
His death is a high-profile loss to rock music to have been announced in 24 hours. Keith had suffered from liver cancer for around 4-5 years. We feel really sorry for the loss and we are sending our condolences to his wife and Keith’s family.
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.
— Adam Hammond (@adthedoor) November 12, 2022
So much of what we listen to today owes much to Keith's work, some of it acknowledged, most of it not.
3/4 pic.twitter.com/c6xkTYjKcA
RIP Keith Levene! Our prayers, thoughts, and strength are with your family. We never thought you’d left us so soon. We never get tired of listening to the Clash and especially your own creations.
Keith Levene Tribute
Thinking about this insane line up today 1980 Paris I think @pilofficial wob, keith me and john pic.twitter.com/jXB9k9jv0w
— Martin Atkins (@marteeeen) August 11, 2022
Keith Levene’s family and his loved ones are really impacted by his unexpected gone. His fans and colleagues are continuously sharing their heartfelt messages and passing their condolences.
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