Keith Levene dead: The Clash and Public Image Ltd member dies aged 65

The Clash and Public Image star Keith Levene has died aged 65 (Image: GETTY)Keith Levene has died aged 65. His friend Adam Hammond announced the sad news on Twitter, writing: “It is with great sadness I report that my close friend and legendary Public Image Limited guitarist Keith Levene passed away on Friday 11th November.”There is no doubt that Keith was one of the most innovative, audacious and influential guitarists of all time.”Keith sought to create a new paradigm in music and with willing collaborators John Lydon and Jah Wobble succeeded in doing just that.”His guitar work over the nine minutes of Theme, the first track on the first PiL album, defined what alternative music should be.”As well as helping to make PiL the most important band of the age, Keith also founded The Clash with Mick Jones and had a major influence on their early sound.” Keith Levene and Sex Pistols star John Lydon co-founded Public Image Ltd (Image: GETTY)Following the Sex Pistols’ break-up in 1978, Keith and John Lydon co-founded Public Image Ltd.He was involved in the writing, performing and producing of the band’s early albums; First Issue, Metal Box and Flowers of Romance.The musician left the group in 1983 citing creative differences.He later took the unfinished album tapes and did his own mix.In 1986, Keith worked with with DJ Matt Dike and experimented with sampling techniques and hip-hop for Ice T and Tone Loc on their early recordings for Delicious.He went on to release his first solo album titled Violent Opposition.More to follow…