Dave Greenfield, longstanding keyboardist and vocalist of legendary English new wave act, The Stranglers, has passed away from coronavirus. Age 71.
Greenfield contracted the disease while receiving treatment for heart problems in hospital for heart problems. He passed away on Sunday night.
“We are deeply and profoundly saddened to announce the untimely passing of keyboard legend Dave Greenfield on the evening of 3rd May 2020,” the band shared in a statement.
“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.”
Surviving members of the band paid tribute to their late friend and collaborator.
Bassist Jean-Jacques Burnel shared, “My great friend and longstanding colleague of 45 years, the musical genius that was Dave Greenfield, passed away as one of the victims of the Great Pandemic of 2020.”
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Drummer Jet Black echoed, “We have just lost a dear friend and music genius, and so has the whole world. 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.”
Singer-guitarist Baz Warne mused, “We lost a true innovator, musical legend, and one of my dearest friends today. The word genius is bandied around far too easily in this day and age, but Dave Greenfield certainly was one.”
The Stranglers formed in 1974 in Guildford, Surrey. Dave Greenfield, the band within a year. He can be credited for carving out their distinctive sound, and unique playing style on instruments like the harpsichord and Hammond electric organ.
He penned the band’s most iconic song, the jaunty ode to heroin ‘Golden Brown’, which went to number two on the UK singles chart in 1982.
Watch: The Stranglers – ‘Golden Brown’
