Following the loss of the Black Midi guitarist, Sleaford Mods, Shame and DJ Mary Anne Hobbs pay tribute.
On Monday, January 12, 2026, the Rough Trade label announced that Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin, one of the founding members of Black Midi, has passed away at the age of 26. Now colleagues from the industry, companions and fans are paying tribute to the musician.
Family calls for mindfulness
The guitarist’s death was the result of a difficult battle with mental health problems, the label announced on Instagram. At the same time, a statement from the family was released saying: “It is with deep sadness that we as a family inform you that Matthew Kwasniewski-Kelvin has died after a long battle with his mental illness.” And further: “A talented musician and a kind, loving young man has passed away despite his best efforts. Matt was only 26 years old. He will always be loved.”
In the statement, the family also called on people to pay attention to relatives with mental health problems in order to prevent such cases: “Please take a moment to ask about the well-being of your relatives so that we can prevent this from happening to young men.”
The label itself expressed the greatest sympathy for the family and emphasized what a great musician the deceased was. He is “an incredibly talented person who will be missed very much.”
Numerous tributes via social media
On social media, numerous colleagues from the music industry expressed their condolences and shared tributes to the musician. Jason Williamson from Sleaford Mods wrote: “Rest in peace Matthew. My condolences to his family.”
DJ Mary Anne Hobbs also responded with emotional words: “I am deeply saddened by this tragic news. Rest in peace, Matt, you wonderful genius.”
The band Shame, who have supported Black Midi since the beginning and described the group as “the best band in London” in 2018, expressed their sadness and wrote: “I am deeply shocked. Rest in peace Matt. You were a kind, warm-hearted person and an incredible artist. We will miss you very much.”
The Windmill Brixton venue, which was a home for the scene surrounding the deceased’s band, also spoke up. Black Midi performed here a few times. The venue said on Instagram: “It’s so incredibly emotional to think back to those exciting times when, after a day of work inspecting ventilation shafts (hence the song ‘Ducter’), Matt came to soundcheck and produced some of the best sounds our small stage had ever experienced, including that evening with the late Damo Suzuki.”
Fans share their sadness
Fans of the band also expressed their sadness on social media platforms. On Reddit, one user wrote: “This is really terrible news. I never saw them live when he was in the band and I really regret that because if you listen to the recordings, they were an incredibly powerful and energetic band live with two guitarists.”
Another person commented: “Terrible news. ‘Schlagenheim’ is one of the best debut albums of all time and part of its magic lies in Geordie and Matt’s guitar playing and their chemistry.”
Followers of the deceased musician also expressed their sadness on X. One fan posted: “Black Midi is one of the most creative bands I’ve ever heard. Take care of your loved ones, you never know what’s going on. Rest in peace Matt.”
___________________________________
Pre-order now: Exclusive 7-inch single “Baltimore”/“Stare” by Prince in MUSIKEXPRRESS 03/26
We are opening the year 2026 with a unique and extraordinary collaboration: on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of his death, ROLLING STONE and MUSIKEXPRESS are releasing two world-exclusive vinyl singles by Prince.
A few months before his death, the genius of the century had recorded two albums that once again show him in top form and will be re-released in the new year: “HITnRUN Phase I” and “Phase II”. These were to remain his last works. For “Phase I” he worked with singers such as Rita Ora and Lianne La Havas. “Phase II” shows him as a political observer of his time.
The March issue of MUSIKEXPRESS features a second world exclusive Prince single: “Baltimore” / “Stare”, two songs from HITnRUN Phase II. Prince wrote the ballad-like “Baltimore” under the impression of racist police violence in the USA. Both editions are also available HERE together in a bundle at the special price of EUR 19.90.
Included in delivery: MUSIKEXPRESS issue 03/2026 + exclusive Prince 7″ vinyl single