Killing Joke Guitarist Geordie Walker Passed Away At 64

Killing Joke’s long-time guitarist, Geordie Walker, passed away last November 26 at the age of 64. According to the official statement released by the band, Walker’s cause of death was due to a stroke.

Killing Joke said that Walker “was surrounded by family. We are devastated. Rest In Peace brother.” While the band’s drummer, Martin Atkins, left a brief note pertaining to Walker’s death. The statement reads:

“Geordie Walker has left the building.”

Meanwhile, the death of Walker was elaborated by his close friend, Luca Signorelli. Signorelli’s post reads:

“This morning I got a phone call, telling me that Kevin ‘Geordie’ Walker had died few hours ago in Prague, following a massive stroke last Friday … I don’t remember even one moment Geordie was around that was awkward or boring. Geordie had a reputation for being abrasive and sometimes curt with people who tried to approach him, but the reality is that he didn’t want to waste his time with people he didn’t like. And ‘like’ or ‘dislike’ was for Geordie entirely a matter of instinct.”

Matt Pinfield, also shared that he received a text message about the news last Sunday morning. He said:

“His songs and massive riffs as the founding guitarist of Killing Joke, are so loved and influential — covered by everyone from Metallica to Foo Fighters. Jimmy Page was a fan. Kurt Cobain borrowed one of his riffs. He was a gentleman, and we had some great times. We will miss you my old friend.”

Looking back, Walker is one of the reasons why Killing Joke was established. Walker together with drummer Paul Ferguson and singer Jaz Coleman, formed the post-punk rock band. The band released their debut EP, Turn to Red, in 1979. The following year, they released their self-titled full-length, which featured “Wardance” and “Requiem,” which was later covered by the Foo Fighters.

Born in 1958, Kevin “Geordie” Walker” became interested in playing the guitar at a very young age. His talents developed as he grew up and eventually became popular with his aggressive guitar playing style. He also developed a distinctive sound which many would consider as the band’s signature sound over the years.