Dave Greenfield, the man behind the magical keyboard wizardry of The Stranglers has died.
Greenfield died May 3rd -- he had been receiving treatment in the hospital for a heart condition for "a prolonged time" and died from complications after testing positive for Covid-19. He was 71 years old.
Greenfield was one of the all-time great keyboard/organists. He loved prog music and took his love for the sound and incorporated it into The Stranglers' punk/post-punk ethic - Greenfield's effect was truly magical and gave The Stranglers their distinctive sound both in the studio and at live shows. During the live shows Greenfield was known to adeptly play multiple keyboards and organs at once.
Besides his stunning working on keyboards and organ, Greenfield was responsible for creating the music for The Stranglers' iconic single "Golden Brown." He originally intended for the music to be used in another Stranglers' song "MenInBlack," but at the time the band decided it didn't seem to work and abandoned the piece until it was eventually used for "Golden Brown."
Greenfield's bandmates posted tributes to him on the official Stranglers website. Ex-Strangler bandmate Hugh Cornwell also paid tribute to Greenfield on social media.
Such a tragic loss to the world of music. R.I.P Dave Greenfield.
David Paul Greenfield (29/3/49-3/5/20) We are devastated to announce that Dave passed away last night from Covid 19. Fly straight DG xxx https://t.co/HmnAs1rERe pic.twitter.com/H2570s0cOb— The Stranglers Site (@StranglersSite) May 4, 2020
“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. All of us in the worldwide Stranglers’ family grieve and send our sincerest condolences to Pam.” – JJ Burnel
“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.” – Jet Black
“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. 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.” – Baz Warne
“We are all in shock, Dave was a kind, generous soul who had time for anyone and everyone and it has been my privilege to have known him as both a close friend, his tech and manager for over 40 years. Our thoughts are with Pam at this sad time” – Sil Willcox
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Dave Greenfield. He was the difference between The Stranglers and every other punk band. His musical skill and gentle nature gave an interesting twist to the band. (1 of 2)— Hugh Cornwell (@HughCornwell) May 4, 2020
He should be remembered as the man who gave the world the music of Golden Brown. Hugh Cornwell 4/5/2020 (2nd of 2)— Hugh Cornwell (@HughCornwell) May 4, 2020
Awfullly sad news about Dave Greenfield of The Stranglers - @StranglersSite - brilliant and hugely influential keyboard player. Here's a photo I took in the dressing room at the Electric Circus in Manchester on 5 June 1977 ... #RIP pic.twitter.com/QkdnJIn683— Kevin Cummins (@KCMANC) May 4, 2020
