Paul 'Skinny' Kelly R.I.P.

"We are all distressed to announce the untimely death of Paul 'Skinny' Kelly on November 17, age 43. A veteran of the punk and metal scenes, acting as the punk element of metal and the metal element of punk, Skinny started his career as bass-player in Paranoid Visions in 1983 and stayed until 1986 when he decided not to return to Ireland after a short UK tour. Becoming an integral part of the north London punk scene, he was part of the infamous Hackney Hell Crew (discussed at length in the new book Trapped In A Scene: UK hardcore" by Ian Glasper), and played in a number of London bands notably Coitus, who became huge celebrities in the alternative and underground hardcore and squat scenes. Moving back to Ireland he formed 'the heaviest band in Ireland' Cold War and played with them on European, US and UK tours releasing two albums along the way. Skinny was widely regarded as one of the most gentle and genuine people in the music, or indeed any scene, he never had a bad word for anyone and his likeable, charismatic and passive demeanour made him a hugely popular figure. Anyone who was lucky enough to regard him as a friend, regardless of how close a friend, is mourning his loss.
He is survived by his wife and children and our thoughts are with them."