The extremely sad news tonight is that Dave Greenfield of The Stranglers has passed away from COVID-19. He was 71.
Reads an official statement from the band: "We are deeply and profoundly saddened to announce the untimely passing of keyboard legend Dave Greenfield on the evening of 3rd May 2020. Following a stay in hospital for heart problems, Dave tested positive for the COVID-19 virus last Sunday but he sadly lost his battle last night. 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."
Says drummer colleague Jet Black: “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.”
Singer Baz Warne adds: “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 bandmates can. I’ll miss him forever. Our thoughts and hearts are with his wife Pam, and to the millions of fans who worshiped at his altar, he’ll never be equaled.”
Originally formed in '74 as the Guildford Stranglers, the band have been somewhat airbrushed from punk/new wave history but were just as revered back in the day as the Pistols, Clash and The Damned. They definitely matched them in the controversy stakes with 'Peaches' - sample lyric: "Is she tryin' to get outta that clitoris?/ Liberation for women/ That's what I preach" - outraging many a retired colonel from Tunbridge Wells. In many ways, it was Greenfield's keyboards that set them apart from their younger rivals.
The Stranglers never got bogged down in three chord orthodoxy, with the likes of 'Golden Brown', 'Skin Deep' and 'European Female' demonstrating just how inherently musical they are. A band with staying power, The Stranglers have been frequent visitors to Ireland over the years and before the current pandemic set in had been due back in the Dublin Olympia on May 29.

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

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