Keith Levene, founding member of The Clash, has passed away

Norfolk, UK - Famed musician Keith Levene, who was one of the founding members of the iconic punk band The Clash, has passed away at the age of 65.

Guitarist Keith Levene was best known for being one of the founding members of both The Clash (bottom inset) and Public Image Ltd (top inset).
Guitarist Keith Levene was best known for being one of the founding members of both The Clash (bottom inset) and Public Image Ltd (top inset).  © Collage: IMAGO/Future Image, United Archives International, & Everett Collection

Levene passed away from liver cancer at his home on Saturday, according to reports

The rock star was born in London in 1957, and at 18 years old, he met guitarist Mick Jones and bassist Paul Simonon to form a band that would change music and British rock forever.

Along with the band's manager Bernard Rhodes, Levene convinced Joe Strummer to join on vocals and guitars, completing what became The Clash.

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While Levene contributed to the song What's My Name from the band's self-titled debut album, he left the band before they went in to record.

He went on to form the band Public Image Ltd. alongside Johnny Rotten, the vocalist from the Sex Pistols, bass player Jah Wobble, and drummer Jim Walker.

While Levene left the group in 1983, Public Image went on to be regarded as a seminal act for the post-punk genre, gaining fame for their songs Poptones and Metal Box.

His passing has garnered social media posts from famous friends and former bandmates, including author Adam Hammond, who called Levene "one of the most innovative, audacious, and influential guitarists of all time."

Levene leaves behind his partner Kate Ransford and sister Jill Bennett.

Cover photo: Collage: IMAGO/Future Image, United Archives International, & Everett Collection

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