Brighton born Stranglers keyboardist dies of COVID-19

It is with sad regret that we have learned that The Stranglers, Brighton born keyboardist, Dave Greenfield has died after a prolonged stay in hospital for heart problems, during which he tested positive for COVID-19.

The Stranglers originated in 1974 during the height of the United Kingdom punk scene and quickly went from playing pubs to opening for The Ramones and Patti Smith during their first British tours.

Greenfield joined The Stranglers in 1975, at the start of their career, and remained part of the band for the rest of his life.

Greenfield was known for his distinctive sound and playing style, using instruments such as the harpsichord and Hammond electric organ. It had recently postponed a farewell tour from this summer because of the pandemic.

In musical terms, Greenfield was largely responsible for writing Golden Brown, The Stranglers' biggest hit. Greenfield also contributed backing vocals to numerous band's tracks, and sang lead on early cuts such as "Dead Ringer", "Do You Wanna?", "Genetix" and "Four Horsemen".

Dave Greenfield has died, the latest musician to fall in this bad pandemic. "A huge talent, a great loss, he is dearly missed".

Greenfield's fellow band members - and original Stranglers guitarist/singer/songwriter Hugh Cornwell - were quick to pay tribute to him on social media, and other musicians have followed suit.

Greenfield is survived by his wife, Pam.