Dave Greenfield, has died at the age of 71 after contracting coronavirus.

THE keyboard player with seminal punk band The Stranglers, Dave Greenfield, has died at the age of 71 after contracting coronavirus. The band burst into the UK punk scene in the late 70s, although many argue that they were more a forerunner of the 80s new wave movement than true punks. The Guildford four piece were all competent musicians and songwriters in their own right for a start as opposed to punk rocks DIY ethos. Greenfield’s adept piano and keyboard skills gave them a sound and extra dimension unlike any other around at the time, punk or otherwise. This probably came to the fore more than anything else in their 1982 post-punk hit “Golden Brown”, a timeless tune built around his almost classical piano playing. The group outlasted almost all their peers, still having hits into the early 21^st century and touring up to the current day despite the departure of lead singer Hugh Cornwell. Cornwell paid tribute to Greenfield saying “his musical skill and gentle nature gave an interesting twist to the band”. The band had been due to tour this summer, but this was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic which would later take their keyboardists life. CAPTION The Stranglers in July 1980. From left Greenfield, Cornwell, Jean-Jacques Burnel and Jet Black.