Tributes have been paid after the death of Black Midi’s Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin was announced, at the age of 26.
News of his passing was announced this afternoon (Monday January 12) via the band’s label Rough Trade. In the post, they shared a statement from the guitarist’s family, in which they revealed that he died following a battle with mental health.
“It is with deep sadness that we as a family regret to inform you that Matthew Kwasniewski-Kelvin has died after a long battle with his mental health,” the statement read. “A talented musician and a kind, loving young man finally succumbed; despite all efforts. Matt was 26-years-old. He will always be loved.
“Please take a moment to check in with your loved ones so we can stop this happening to our young men.”
The label also wrote in the caption that it would “like to extend deepest sympathy to the Kwasniewski-Kelvin family”, and added that the Black Midi founding member was “an incredibly talented person who will be truly missed”.
“If you are struggling with mental health issues please reach out to your loved ones or one of the range of charities such as Mind, CALM and Samaritans who provide services and someone to talk to in any time of need,” the caption continued.
In the comments on the post, Sleaford Mods‘ Jason Williamson wrote, “Rest in peace, Matthew. ❤️ Thoughts are with his family”, while DJ Mary Anne Hobbs added: “I’m so very sad and sorry to hear this tragic news.. Rest in peace Matt, you beautiful genius.”
Other comments came from Rough Trade East, which shared: “Such a loss
Rest in Peace, Matt”, and from Fontaines D.C.‘s Connor Deegan III who simply added: “Rest in peace x”.
“Absolutely horrible news to hear. I never got to see them while he was in the band and it’s something I regret as, listening to recordings, they were such a powerful and forceful band live with two guitarists,” wrote one fan on Reddit after hearing the news. “I can’t think of anything more to say than I hope his family and friends are doing OK.”
“Awful, awful news. ‘Schlagenheim’ is one of the best debut albums ever and part of the magic of it is Geordie and Matt’s guitar work and chemistry,” another added, while a third shared: “The worst news. I saw Black Midi five times during their breakout year and Matt’s unpredictable performances were a huge reason why. Rest in peace.”
Another fan wrote: “Rest in peace. So many great moments of his on ‘Schlagenheim’ and will forever be a legend for that front flip during the Mercury Prize awards. Added so much to that original era of Black Midi and was disappointed when he was no longer in the band after that.”
Someone else on X/Twitter chimed in: “Black Midi is one of the most creative bands I’ve heard in all my life. Please check on your loved ones, you never know what’s going on. Rest in peace Matt.” Find more responses below.
Black Midi is one of the most creative bands I’ve heard in all my life. Please check on your loved ones, you never know what’s going on. Rest in peace Matt.
— Mall (@thelovelyfall) January 12, 2026
Matt Kwasniewski of Black Midi has sadly passed away. what a terrible devastating loss. Rest In Peace 🖤 pic.twitter.com/6tFG3sveAi
— 𝕶𝖆𝖑𝖊𝖎𝖉𝖔𝖘𝖈𝖔𝖕𝖊 𝕰𝖞𝖊𝖉 𝕲𝖎𝖗𝖑 (@thejunebugfreak) January 12, 2026
RIP Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin 💔
Miembro fundador de black midi donde fue guitarrista en Schlagenheim y toureó con la banda practicamente por todo el mundo, también estuvo bastante involucrado con la banda Wu-Lu. Siempre pensé que podría volver y ahora es un imposible. pic.twitter.com/DeCcN91M0x
— Luisda (@torrejazz) January 12, 2026
this black midi news hurts
— harlan pepper (@subarulien) January 12, 2026
Awful news, Matt had an ear for such an interesting sound. Black Midi would not have been so boundary pushing if it wasn’t for Matt’s work on Schlagenheim https://t.co/HfuOBSeWzd
— Danny ☭ (@LCD_Dansystem) January 12, 2026
Kwasniewski-Kelvin co-founded the band in 2017 and they were quickly met with acclaim for their brand of experimental art rock – with Shame declaring them in 2018 to be “best band in London”.
They dropped their debut album ‘Schlagenheim’ in 2019, and the following year they released a jam and spoken word album entitled, ‘The Black Midi Anthology Vol. 1: Tales of Suspense and Revenge’.
2021 saw Kwasniewski-Kelvin confirm that he was taking some time off from the band to focus on his mental health, and he later got songwriting credits on their sophomore album, ‘Cavalcade’, which dropped later that year.
Black Midi’s last LP ‘Hellfire’, was released in July 2022, and the band went on an indefinite hiatus in 2024, with both frontman Geordie Greep and bassist Cameron Picton confirming the news with fans before Greep embarked on a solo career.
