Two days after having a severe stroke, guitarist Kevin “Geordie” Walker of KILLING JOKE allegedly passed away in Prague, Czech Republic, earlier today (Sunday, November 26). His age was sixty-four.
Kevin Geordie Walker died on November 26, 2023 at an early age. Walker’s death was revealed by his friend and former Killing Joke bandmate, Martin Atkins. Walker and Atkins also played together in the industrial-metal supergroups Murder Inc. and The Damage Manual.
In 1979, guitarist Kevin Geordie Walker and drummer “Big” Paul Ferguson together with vocalist Jaz Coleman co-founded Killing Joke. Many other artists, such as Jimmy Page, James Hetfield, Page Hamilton of Helmet, and Kevin Shields of My Bloody Valentine, have praised Walker for his unique guitar technique. Other than Coleman, Walker has been a member of the band from its inception.
The information was posted on Martin Adkins’ Facebook page this evening, November 26, the former drummer for Killing Joke. He uploaded a video of The Damage Manuel’s “Laugh Track,” a supergroup to which they both belonged, with the caption “gutted.” Adkins posted “Geordie has passed” in the comments area, confirming the news.
In 1979, guitarist Walker and drummer “Big” Paul Ferguson together with vocalist Jaz Coleman co-founded Killing Joke. Many other artists, such as Jimmy Page, James Hetfield, Page Hamilton of Helmet, and Kevin Shields of My Bloody Valentine, have praised Walker for his unique guitar technique. Other than Coleman, Walker has been a member of the band from its inception.
LIFE AND CAREER
Kevin Geordie Walker was born in Leeds, England, on December 8, 1952. His life was a colourful tapestry made with love and imagination. He had an early aptitude for music, with a special affinity for the strong tones of the electric guitar. He was heavily involved in the punk music movement when he was a teenager, helping to form Killing Joke in the late 1970s.
He purchased the first guitar that guided him over Christmas 1973 in Northampton. Recalling a performance, she had attended with Jimi Hendrix on the lineup, his mother advised he give a Gibson Les Paul a try when she spotted one in the store. Walker played around two chords, at which point his mother said, “We’ll take it.” He had “two real jobs” at the time, which helped him save money. Subsequently, he purchased a Gibson SG Junior guitar.
Kevin Geordie Walker unusual guitar technique helped create the distinctive sound of Killing Joke in the 1980s and 1990s by fusing punk, industrial, and tribal elements. His creative approach established the band’s distinctive sound and brought them a devoted following throughout the globe.
Kevin Geordie Walker demonstrated his flexibility and adventurous attitude by pursuing solo projects and collaborations in addition to his contributions to Killing Joke. His ability to break musical conventions and push limits was praised by fans. Apart from his artistic endeavors, Walker’s reflective disposition and fascination with philosophy were apparent in his verses, which tackled social problems and the human experience.
Kevin Geordie Walker has had an enormous influence on the alternative and post-punk music scenes, creating a lasting impression. His voyage, replete with imaginative discovery and unshakable commitment, is proof of the eternal value of artistic expression. New generations of musicians and fans will continue to draw inspiration from Geordie’s legacy even as the music industry laments his passing.
Kevin Geordie Walker joined the band as a founding member after responding to an advertisement in Melody Maker published by founder member of Killing Joke, Jaz Coleman. The Damage Manuel and Murder, Inc. were two other industrial music supergroups he was a member of, although he also contributed to every album released by Killing Joke.
Walker relocated from Prague, where it is believed he passed away, to the US in recent years.