Iconic post-punk musician Kenny Morris, a founding member of the legendary band Siouxsie and the Banshees, has passed away at the age of 68. Morris, who was a pivotal figure in shaping the band’s early sound, played on their initial two albums. The cause of his death has not been disclosed.
Morris, known for his drumming skills, contributed significantly to the band’s musical evolution, alongside Siouxsie Sioux, Steven Severin, and Peter Fenton (who was later dismissed during a live performance).
Confirmation of Morris’s demise came on Thursday, with sources such as Louder than War reporting on the sad news. Musician and journalist John Robb paid tribute to Morris, describing him as a charming and artistic individual with a unique sense of style that harked back to the punk era.
Joining Siouxsie and the Banshees in 1977 amid the burgeoning UK punk scene, Morris became the band’s first permanent drummer following Sid Vicious’s brief stint. He made his studio debut with the band during a BBC radio session in November 1977 and continued to feature on albums like “The Scream” (1978) and “Join Hands” (1979).
After parting ways with the band just before a scheduled performance in Aberdeen in 1979, Morris, along with guitarist John McKay, retreated from the music industry and public eye, eventually settling in Cork, Ireland.