Wie jüngst bekannt wurde, ist der langjährige The Stranglers Keyboarder Dave Greenfield bereits am vergangenen Sonntag (03.05.) im Alter von 71 Jahren verstorben. Greenfield trat der Band bereits 1975, ein Jahr nach der Gründung, bei und war bis zu seinem Tode festes Bandmitglied der einstigen Punkrock-Combo. Er ist auf allen 17 veröffentlichten Alben der britischen Punk/New Wave/Psychedelic Rock Band zu hören. Auch schrieb Greenfield den Song Golden Brown, den wohl bekanntesten Track, der den The Stranglers den renommierten Ivor Novello Award einbrachte.
Der Musiker wurde wegen Herzproblemen ins Krankenhaus eingeliefert und stationär behandelt, bevor er sich vor über einer Woche im Krankenhaus mit dem Sars-Cov-2-Virus infizierte und letztendlich daran verstarb. Die Band selbst teilte den Fans die traurige Nachricht über ihre Social Media-Kanäle mit.
Hier das Statement der Band:
David Paul Greenfield (29/03/49-03/05/20)
We are deeply and profoundly saddened to announce the untimely passing of keyboard legend Dave Greenfield on the evening of 3rd May 2020. 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.
We have received the following tributes from Dave’s fellow band members JJ, Jet and Baz as well as Sil the band’s manager:
“On the evening of Sunday May 3rd 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. All of us in the worldwide Stranglers’ family grieve and send our sincerest condolences to Pam.” – JJ Burnel
“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.” – Jet Black
“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. We stood together on the same side of the stage for 20 years, laughed, joked and shared our lives in the way that only band mates can. I’ll miss him forever. Our thoughts and hearts are with his wife Pam, and to the millions of fans who worshipped at his altar, he’ll never be equalled.” – Baz Warne
“We are all in shock, Dave was a kind, generous soul who had time for anyone and everyone and it has been my privilege to have known him as both a close friend, his tech and manager for over 40 years. Our thoughts are with Pam at this sad time” – Sil Willcox
He is survived by his wife Pam and we ask you to respect Pam’s privacy at this very sad time.
Fly straight Mr G, fond adieu xx
Please leave any messages of condolences below and we will pass them on….