Kevin “Geordie” Walker, guitarist of the British post-punk band Killing Joke, has died at the age of 64, the group’s members confirmed. Walker remained the only member of Killing Joke, apart from the vocalist, from its original line-up.
“It is with the deepest sadness that we confirm that on November 26, 2023, at 6:30 a.m., after a stroke, the legendary guitarist of Killing Joke Kevin ‘Geordie’ Walker passed away in Prague surrounded by his family. We are devastated by this news. Rest in peace, Brother,” it was reported in a post that appeared on social media on the night from Sunday to Monday, Polish time. A photo of Walker was attached to the post.
Other musicians are saying goodbye to Walker on social media. “One of my greatest inspirations. One of the most important and innovative rock guitarists. Post-punk hero. Thank you for everything,” wrote Tommy Victor, vocalist and guitarist of the band Prong, on social media.
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Who was Kevin Walker from Killing Joke?
Walker, born in 1958, joined the band Killing Joke in the late 1970s. As USA Today explains, the group’s original line-up included vocalist Jaz Coleman, drummer Paul Ferguson and bassist Martin “Youth” Glover. Their style is described as a combination of post punk and alternative rock. The most popular British songs are “Love Like Blood”, “The Wait” and “Eighties”. Killing Joke released their debut album, with a title matching the band’s name, in 1980. The group released a total of 15 albums, the last one in 2015.
In 2018, Killing Joke musicians, including Walker, played a concert at Stodola in Warsaw. Four years later, they were to perform as part of the Mystic Festival organized at the Gdańsk Shipyard. However, they canceled the concert at the last minute due to “logistical problems”.
Main photo source: Gonzales Photo/Tord Litleskare/PAP