The music world is mourning the loss of an iconic figure from the UK's punk explosion. Kenny Morris, the original drummer for Siouxsie and the Banshees, has died at the age of 68.
Tributes for a Punk Pioneer
The sad news was confirmed by broadcaster and music journalist John Robb, who described Morris as a "sweet, articulate, artistic and fascinating" friend. Robb recalled Morris's unique and enduring style, noting he would often appear in a suit mixed with a dress and open handcuffs, maintaining the "artful confrontation" of the 1976 punk era he helped define.
Born Kenneth Ian Morris in 1957 to Irish parents in London, he grew up in Essex before studying art and filmmaking. His artistic sensibility would define his life both on and off the stage.
Architect of a Seminal Sound
Kenny Morris joined Siouxsie and the Banshees in January 1977 as their first studio drummer. He was instrumental during the band's formative years, providing the powerful, distinctive percussion for their first two landmark albums.
He played on 1978's groundbreaking debut 'The Scream' and the 1979 follow-up 'Join Hands', helping to craft the dark, rhythmic foundation that became synonymous with the Banshees' early sound. His departure from the band came later in 1979.
A Creative Life Beyond the Band
After leaving the Banshees, Morris played with other musical acts before reinventing his life in 1993, moving from London to Ireland. There, he fully embraced his visual art passions.
In the late 1990s, he ran an art gallery in Kildare Town while continuing his own work in painting and drawing. His most recent exhibition, "A Banshee Left Wailing", was held in Dublin in March 2024, a poignant title reflecting his musical legacy.
Fans can look forward to one final work from the artist. Kenny Morris completed his memoir before his death, and it is scheduled for publication later this year, offering a personal insight into the birth of British punk and his unique journey.
