Richard Swift's cause of death revealed
Ex-Shins and Black Keys member and prolific artist/producer Richard Swift’s cause of death has been revealed by his family. The musician died last week after a GoFundMe account was started to help him battle a “life-threatening condition.”
Read more: Richard Swift has died at the age of 41
Swift died last Tuesday (July 3), aged 41, from complications related to alcohol dependence, his family now reveals. “Yes, Richard Swift suffered from alcohol addiction,” reads the statement (via Variety). “And it’s ultimately what took his life.”
Swift was a multi-instrumentalist in the Shins until 2016, and he performed as a bassist for the Black Keys in 2014. He also played keyboards in Starflyer 59 from 2002 to 2003, and he produced multiple albums for himself and others.
Read the family’s full statement below:
The music world remembers Richard Swift
News of Richard Swift’s death prompted a wave of condolences within the indie scene. Jeff Cloud, who released several of Swift’s early singles and albums on his record label Velvet Blue Music, posted a note of remembrance on Wednesday.
The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach said the world “lost one of the most talented musicians” on Instagram last week. “I will miss you my friend,” the musician added. Were you a Swift fan? How will you honor his memory? Sound off in the comments.
