Kevin “Geordie” Walker, the renowned guitarist and founding member of the influential industrial rock band Killing Joke, has sadly passed away at the age of 64. His untimely death was confirmed by the band on their official Instagram page, revealing that he had suffered a stroke and passed away in Prague surrounded by his family.
Geordie Walker’s musical journey began when he joined Killing Joke in 1979 alongside bassist Martin “Youth” Glover, responding to an ad in Melody Maker by vocalist Jaz Coleman and drummer Paul Ferguson. Remarkably, he remained the only consistent member of the band throughout his career. Walker also made significant contributions as a founding member of Murder, Inc. and The Damage Manual.
His unique and multilayered guitar sound left an indelible mark on the music world, influencing various genres, including shoegaze, goth, and industrial rock. His style served as an inspiration for iconic artists such as Kurt Cobain of Nirvana, Kevin Shields of My Bloody Valentine, and Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails.
Killing Joke achieved mainstream success with their 1985 album “Night Time,” featuring hit singles like “Love Like Blood” and “Eighties.” Geordie Walker’s distinctive guitar work was pivotal to the band’s sound, which combined elements of grinding industrial, dub reggae, new wave melodies, and goth sensibilities into a captivating mix.
Throughout the years, Killing Joke released numerous albums, with their self-titled debut album in 1980, “Pandemonium” in 1994, and “Pylon” in 2015, showcasing their evolution and enduring impact on the music industry.
Geordie Walker’s legacy as a guitarist is immeasurable, and his influence will continue to resonate through generations of musicians. His dedication to the art of music and his contribution to the distinctive sound of Killing Joke will forever be remembered. Rest in peace, Geordie Walker.
