Keyboardist Dave Greenfield Of Stranglers Died Due To Covid-19

RIP

Keyboardist Dave Greenfield, who’s best known for playing with the UK punk group The Stranglers for almost five decades, has passed away at 71 years old on May 3 because of complications related to coronavirus.

The band wrote in a statement posted on their website: “Following a stay in hospital for heart problems, Dave tested positive for the COVID-19 virus last Sunday but he sadly lost his battle last night. Dave had been an ever present in the band since joining in late 1975 and his keyboard wizardry was world-renowned over his 45 year career in The Stranglers. Dave was a lovable, friendly and eccentric character who always had time to chat.”

Born on March 29, 1949, he played with several other groups before joining The Stranglers in 1975. His playing style has often been compared to that of The Doors’ Ray Manzarek. But according to Greenfield, some of his influences included YES’ Rick Wakeman. The Stranglers’ last studio album was 2012’s Giants.

Guitarist and vocalist Baz Warne paid tribute to him saying: “We lost a true innovator, musical legend, and one of my dearest friends today. The word genius is bandied around far too easily in this day and age, but Dave Greenfield certainly was one. We stood together on the same side of the stage for 20 years, laughed, joked and shared our lives in the way that only band mates can.”

Greenfield is survived by wife, Pam.