Keith Levin, guitarist and co-founder of The Clash, has died

Keith Levin, a founding member of British punk band The Clash and later punk band Public Image Limited, has died at the age of 65, several of the musician’s relatives have announced to the network.

According to “The Guardian”, the guitarist suffered from liver cancer and died at home “quietly, comfortably and surrounded by love”, according to his family. Born Julian Leven in Muswell Hill, North London, Leven formed The Clash at the age of 18 with guitarist Mick Jones and bassist Paul Simonen.

Keith Levin stayed with The Clash long enough to contribute to some big hits such as What’s My Name in 1977, but left the band before the release of the first album to start a band called Public Image Limited with John Lydon.

Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante was one of the musician’s admirers, calling him “fascinating” and “exploring the possibilities of what you could do with the guitar”. Post-punk music, his guitar style occupies a space between angular abrasiveness and pop richness”.

Leven also enjoyed building guitars and worked with author Adam Hammond on a book about Public Image Limited. The latter called him “one of the most innovative, daring and influential guitarists of all time” on Twitter.

It’s the second major figure rock music has lost in 24 hours, following the death of HowWind Group co-founder Nick Turner.