Killing Joke guitarist Kevin “Geordie” Walker has died at the age of 64.
Martin Adkins, Walker’s former Killing Joke bandmate, announced his passing on social media. He died after suffering a stroke.
Killing Joke later confirmed Walker’s death on Facebook, stating, “It is with extreme sadness we confirm that at 6:30am on 26th November 2023 in Prague, Killing Joke’s legendary guitarist Kevin “Geordie” Walker passed away after suffering a stroke, he was surrounded by family. We are devastated. Rest In Peace brother.”
Walker was a founding member of the UK post-punk band Killing Joke, alongside frontman Jaz Coleman, bassist/keyboardist Martin “Youth” Glover, and drummer Paul Ferguson. He remained a member of the band until his passing.
With his guitar playing, Walker emphasized rhythm with a focus on the instrument’s lower notes. His playing was lauded by other legendary guitarists including Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page and My Bloody Valentine’s Kevin Shields, who marveled at Walker’s “effortless” abilities and “monstrous sound.”
Walker first linked up with Coleman after answering an advertisement placed by the singer. He and Coleman were Killer Joke’s only constant members and played on every one of the group’s releases, including their landmark 1980 self-titled debut (which Consequence recently named as one of the top industrial albums in history).
In addition to Killing Joke, Walker was a member of the industrial music supergroups Murder, Inc. and The Damage Manual.
Update, November 28th: The other members of Killing Joke have each issued individual statements, as follows:
JAZ: “I spoke to Geordie last week. He began our hour-long conversation with “there he is,” and apart from a flu, he was in fine spirits and looking forward to the future with optimism. We reincarnated before and we will reincarnate again. I never left his side in 44 years. Tears”
YOUTH: “He is now flying high with The Valkyries, on his way to the halls of Valhalla. He defined a generation or three with his genius. We are all honoured to have served with him and shared his vision of what the band could be.”
PAUL FERGUSON: “We are devastated by the news of our brother’s sudden passing. Our collective look forwards have come to naught and the maestro strummed his last glorious chords. I was honoured to play in the band with him, a rare talent and wit who suffered no fools. Rest In Peace Geords.”
