Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin, a founding guitarist in British experimental rock group Black Midi, has died, his family announced Monday. He was 26. Kwasniewski-Kelvin died “after a long battle with his mental health,” the family said in a statement released by Black Midi’s record label, Rough Trade Records. No other details were released. With Kwasniewski-Kelvin hammering his guitar, Black Midi burst onto the British new rock scene in 2017 and released their breakthrough debut album, “Schlagenheim,” in 2019. Black Midi were known for their wild live shows, improvisational but generally aggressive riffs and devil-may-care attitude. “Schlagenheim” was critically acclaimed and nominated for the Mercury Prize, which is awarded to the best album released by a British or Irish artist. “The idea was to do stuff that’s impossible to do live,” lead singer Geordie Greep told Pitchfork in 2019. “If the album and the gig are just the same, it’s a bit sad.” Kwasniewski-Kelvin met the other three members of the group at London’s prestigious BRIT School, and they quickly found success. He said Greep had the biggest influence on him at the time. “I used to be a skater boy when I was young, listening to Green Day, Sum 41, Good Charlotte,” he told Pitchfork. “But at BRIT, Geordie introduced me to different stuff. I got interested in harsh noise, drone music.” However, Kwasniewski-Kelvin stepped away from the band in 2021, saying he had been “mentally unwell.” “We’re all fully behind our best mate in his recovery,” the band wrote on social media. “It almost goes without saying but please respect Matt’s right to privacy surrounding this.” Kwasniewski-Kelvin got a songwriting credit on Black Midi’s second album, “Cavalcade,” but was not part of its third. The group split in 2024. Kwasniewski-Kelvin released a protest song that year about the war in Gaza. “A talented musician and a kind, loving young man finally succumbed despite all efforts,” his family wrote Monday. “Please take a moment to check in with your loved ones so we can stop this happening to our young men.” ...read more read less