Fuzzcast #5 Memories - A Tribute to Keith Levene

Keith Levene sadly passed away in his home in Norfolk on 11 November 2022, aged 65.  He had been battling liver cancer. He was a hugely influential figure on the early London punk explosion.  What set him apart from many of his peers, was in a scene based around a DIY- play three chord ethos, Keith really could play. A gifted guitarist, he liked to experiment and push the envelope. In the summer of 1976, he was a founding member of The Clash.  However, shortly after recruiting Joe Strummer, Keith left the band. After the Sex Pistols imploded in 1978, John Lydon asked Keith to join him and Jah Wobble to former Public Image Limited. Keith was in PiL for five years, in which time the band released what is widely regarded as some of the most influential material of the time.  Including, Metal Box which is considered by many to be a post punk classic. When I heard of Keith’s death, I had a dig into my audio archives and found an in-depth interview with him recorded in 2013. At the time Keith was living in the United States.  The recording was broadcast on Fuzzbox my late-night punk & ska show on the sadly missed Pure 107.8FM in Stockport. It’s basically the same format as a Fuzzcast episode, a punk rock life story. Keith has a lot to talk about - His fall out with John Lydon, how he persuaded Joe Strummer to join the Clash, Sid Vicious, Bernie Rhodes, Jah Wobble, teaching Viv Albertine to play guitar.  It’s all here. So hopefully you will enjoy.