The Stranglers' keyboardist Dave Greenfield has died, aged 71

5 May 2020, 10:08

The Stranglers' keyboard player has passed away at the age of 71 after testing positive for coronavirus.

The Stranglers keyboardist and singer-songwriter Dave Greenfield has died aged 71 after testing positive for coronavirus.

Greenfield passed away on Sunday evening (May 3) after contracting the virus following a stay in hospital for heart problems.

The musician penned the group's biggest hit, 'Golden Brown', and was described by fellow band member Jet Black as "a dear friend and music genius."

The band shared a statement on their website on Monday, which said: "We are deeply and profoundly saddened to announce the untimely passing of keyboard legend Dave Greenfield on the evening of 3rd May 2020.

"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."

The Stranglers - Golden Brown (TOTP 1982)

Greenfield's fellow band members JJ, Jet and Baz have all paid tribute to the musician.

"On the evening of Sunday May 3rd my great friend and longstanding colleague of 45 years, the musical genius that was Dave Greenfield, passed away as one of the victims of the Great Pandemic of 2020," said JJ Burnel.

"All of us in the worldwide Stranglers’ family grieve and send our sincerest condolences to Pam."

The Stranglers drummer, Jet Black, said: "We have just lost a dear friend and music genius, and so has the whole world.

"Dave was a complete natural in music. Together, we toured the globe endlessly and it was clear he was adored by millions. A huge talent, a great loss, he is dearly missed."

"We lost a true innovator, musical legend, and one of my dearest friends today," guitarist Baz Warne said.

"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.

"I'll miss him forever. Our thoughts and hearts are with his wife Pam, and to the millions of fans who worshipped at his altar, he’ll never be equalled."

Dave Greenfield was a keyboardist and singer-songwriter, who found fame when he joined The Stranglers within its first year of formation in 1975.

He wrote the group's most famous hit, 'Golden Brown', which reached number two in the UK singles chart in 1982.

Greenfield played with the band for 45 years, up until his death.