The Stranglers' keyboardist Dave Greenfield passed away over the weekend due to complications with COVID-19. The English artist was 71 years old.
Following a longstanding battle with heart problems, Greenfield was admitted to hospital for a prolonged stay last month. He contracted the virus a week ago and succumbed late Sunday (May 3).
The band announced his passing earlier today from the Stranglers' official website, writing the following:
We are deeply and profoundly saddened to announce the untimely passing of keyboard legend Dave Greenfield on the evening of 3rd May 2020. Following a stay in hospital for heart problems, Dave tested positive for the Covid-19 virus last Sunday but he sadly lost his battle last night. Dave had been an ever present in the band since joining in late 1975 and his keyboard wizardry was world-renowned over his 45 year career in The Stranglers. Dave was a lovable, friendly and eccentric character who always had time to chat.
Greenfield, known for his unique style of playing the harpsichord and Hammond electric organ, was credited with writing the band's most notable hit, "Golden Brown," a track that was initially binned by the group's other members.
"We have just lost a dear friend and music genius, and so has the whole world," the Stranglers' Jet Black wrote in a statement. "Dave was a complete natural in music. Together, we toured the globe endlessly and it was clear he was adored by millions. A huge talent, a great loss, he is dearly missed."
See the band's tribute below, and read more tributes at their website.
Following a longstanding battle with heart problems, Greenfield was admitted to hospital for a prolonged stay last month. He contracted the virus a week ago and succumbed late Sunday (May 3).
The band announced his passing earlier today from the Stranglers' official website, writing the following:
We are deeply and profoundly saddened to announce the untimely passing of keyboard legend Dave Greenfield on the evening of 3rd May 2020. Following a stay in hospital for heart problems, Dave tested positive for the Covid-19 virus last Sunday but he sadly lost his battle last night. Dave had been an ever present in the band since joining in late 1975 and his keyboard wizardry was world-renowned over his 45 year career in The Stranglers. Dave was a lovable, friendly and eccentric character who always had time to chat.
Greenfield, known for his unique style of playing the harpsichord and Hammond electric organ, was credited with writing the band's most notable hit, "Golden Brown," a track that was initially binned by the group's other members.
"We have just lost a dear friend and music genius, and so has the whole world," the Stranglers' Jet Black wrote in a statement. "Dave was a complete natural in music. Together, we toured the globe endlessly and it was clear he was adored by millions. A huge talent, a great loss, he is dearly missed."
See the band's tribute below, and read more tributes at their website.