Guitarist Keith Levene, a founding member of The Clash and Public Images Ltd. (PiL), died Friday at his home in Norfolk, England, after a battle with liver cancer. He was 65.
Levene’s partner Kate Ransford tweeted that he died “peacefully, painfree (sic), cosy n well loved.” She described him as “an iconic guitarist and composer, my best friend , my love , my everything.”
Adam Hammond, who collaborated with Levene on a book about PiL, remembered his friend as “one of the most innovative, audacious and influential guitarists of all time.” He tweeted: “Keith sought to create a new paradigm in music and with willing collaborators John Lydon and Jah Wobble succeeded in doing just that. His guitar work over the nine minutes of 'Theme', the first track on the first PiL album, defined what alternative music should be.
“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. So much of what we listen to today owes much to Keith's work, some of it acknowledged, most of it not.”
Hammond added: “The world is a darker place without his genius. Mine will be darker without my mate.”
Born Julian Levene in London, he was introduced to the music industry at 15, when he worked as a roadie for progressive rock band Yes. He helped create The Clash and co-wrote “What’s My Name” for the band’s debut album but parted ways before it was recorded.
Levene paired with Sex Pistols frontman John Lydon to form PiL and recorded three albums with the band before leaving in 1983.
“We had our ups and downs that had mellowed over time,” tweeted former PiL bandmate Martin Atkins. “My respect for his unique talent never will.”
After relocating to Los Angeles, Levene produced demos for Red Hot Chili Peppers and worked on projects for Ice T and Tone Loc. He also released several albums of his own.
In addition to Ransford, Levene is survived by sister Jill Bennett.