The pioneering rocker also formed Public Image Ltd with The Sex Pistols’ John Lydon

Keith Levene The Clash Keith Levene Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix/Mirrorpix
Keith Levene [Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix/Mirrorpix]

Keith Leven, founding guitarist of the iconic punk rock band The Clash, has died. He was 65 years old. Leven passed away peacefully at his home in Norfolk, England on Friday. He had been battling liver cancer for some time.

In 1976, Leven co-founded The Clash. He would leave the group before they ever made an album. He did, however, write the song “What’s My Name” which the band recorded for their debut LP.

In 1978, Levene teamed up with fellow punk icon John Lydon (a.k.a. Johnny Rotten) of The Sex Pistols to form the post-punk group Public Image Ltd.