Clash co-founder dead: Keith Levene turned 65

Keith Levene, the pioneering guitarist and co-founder of The Clash and Public Image Ltd., died of liver cancer on Friday. He was 65.

Author/author Adam Hammond confirmed the punk pioneer’s death in a statement.

“It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my close friend and legendary Public Image Limited guitarist Keith Levene on Friday November 11th,” he wrote.

“Keith was without a doubt one of the most innovative, daring and influential guitarists of all time.”

Levene co-founded The Clash in 1976 but left before the band began recording. He co-wrote “What’s My Name” which appears on the first album.

He co-founded Public Image and performed with the group until 1983.

There’s more to come.