Geordie Greep pays tribute to late Black Midi bandmate Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin: “I love you, thank you so much”

Posted On January 22, 2026January 22, 2026

Black Midi singer Geordie Greep has paid an emotional tribute to his late bandmate Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin.

Last week, Kwasniewski-Kelvin’s family heartbreakingly announced that the guitarist had died, aged 26, following a long battle with his mental health.

The family wrote, “It is with deep sadness that we as a family regret to inform you that Matthew Kwasniewski-Kelvin has died after a long battle with his mental health.”

The message also urged those reading, “Please take a moment to check in with your loved ones so we can stop this happening to our young men.”

Kwasniewski-Kelvin was a founding member of Black Midi in 2017 alongside Greep, Morgan Simpson and Cameron Picton after they met at BRIT School. He played on their Mercury Prize-nominated debut 2019’s Schlagenheim, before departing due to his mental health.

Greep has now honoured his late friend in a lengthy statement on Instagram, which began with him writing, “It goes without saying that it’s been a really tricky week. Really, really sad and shit. But I think that it’s important I say something here just to have some record of this time and these feelings.”

He emotionally thanked fans for “being supportive and kind and thoughtful and gentle”, which he said “means more than anything and has really helped.”

Greep added, “It’s really such a sad thing that’s happened. But I have been trying to focus on what a great person he was, what a force for positivity and goodwill, and how much better he made the lives of everyone who knew him. We all loved him so much, we really did. And he will stay with us for the rest of our lives.”

While Greep had not seen Kwasniewski-Kelvin in “some years”, his friend remained in his thoughts and “hoped I would one day see him again”.

His message continued, “There is so much I wish I could say to him. I wish I could say how sorry I am for everything that happened, how sorry I am that he was unlucky enough to be battling such a cruel, unforgiving and persistent illness, how much I miss him and will miss him always, and how thankful I am for everything he did for me.”

Greep stated that Kwasniewski-Kelvin “changed my life in more ways than I can ever explain or repay”, and reflected on their journey together, “We had a dream when we were 14 years old of making crazy music and playing it around the world, being able to make music on our own terms and be able to do it for a living – and we bloody did.”

The singer’s eulogy concluded, “So thank you Matt, thank you for everything. You’re always gonna be with me. Every stage and studio or wherever I play I’ll be thinking of you. I dedicate the rest of my life to finishing what we started. And I would never be able to do any of it without you. I love you, thank you so much.”

Greep’s full tribute can be read below.

In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the Samaritans have a helpline which can be reached on 116 123. In the US, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline have a helpline which can be reached on 988.

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