'Stranglers' Keyboardist Dave Greenfield Dies at 71 After COVID-19 Battle

On Monday, May 4, 2020, The Stranglers announced that they’d lost their keyboard player Dave Greenfield. The keyboardist passed away on the previous night.

Greenfield, 71, was admitted to the hospital last month with heart problems, according to his bandmates. On April 26, 2020, the star tested positive for the novel coronavirus disease.

However, over the weekend, Greenfield lost his battle with the virus. The musician was a longtime member of The Stranglers, having joined them in 1975.

BANDMATES PAY TRIBUTE

He’s been a well-known keyboardist for 45 years. The late star was described as “a lovable, friendly and eccentric character who always had time to chat.”

His fellow band members Jean-Jacques “JJ” Burnel, Jet Black, Baz Warne, and band manager Sil Willcox, all paid tribute to the fallen star. Bass player Burnel noted that he’d lost “my great friend and longstanding colleague of 45 years.”

GREENFIELD WAS A MUSICAL GENIUS

He described Greenfield as “musical genius” and sent his “condolences to Pam.” Drummer Black also called his late “dear friend” a “music genius” who was “a complete natural in music.”

The Stranglers member lamented how they’d lost a “huge talent” who would be “dearly missed.” Warne, a vocalist and guitarist, mourned his friend’s passing, labeling him a “genius” when it came to his talent.

DAVE WILL BE MISSED

He revealed that he would also miss Greenfield “forever,” and sent his condolences to the late keyboard player’s wife. Willcox noted how shocked they all were by the musician’s passing.

Greenfield was described as “a kind, generous soul who had time for anyone and everyone.” The Stranglers formed in 1974 in Guildford, Surrey.

WRITER OF BAND’S BIGGEST HIT

The late keyboard player, who was born in Brighton, Sussex, was noted as the writer for his band's biggest hit, “Golden Brown.” The song reached number two on the UK singles chart in 1982.

OTHER STRANGLERS’ SONGS

The band's other hit songs included “No More Heroes,” “Peaches,” and “Something Better Change.” The Stranglers continued touring and recording after the original frontman, Hugh Cornwell, left them in 1990.

CORNWELL MOURNS GREENFIELD

In fact, the band was currently on tour before postponing due to COVID-19. Cornwell mourned Greenfield’s death in a tweet.

The late musician is survived by his wife Pam.