The music world is in shock and grief after the news of the death of Geordie Walker, the legendary guitarist of the influential post-punk band Killing Joke. Walker died on November 26, 2023, in Prague, Czech Republic, where he had been living for the past few years. He was 64 years old and had suffered a stroke two days earlier.
Walker was born on December 18, 1958, in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, England. He grew up in a working-class family and developed a passion for music at an early age. He taught himself how to play the guitar and was inspired by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and Black Sabbath.
In 1979, Walker answered an ad placed by Jaz Coleman, a singer and keyboardist who was looking for a guitarist to form a new band. The two met and instantly clicked, sharing a vision of creating a radical and innovative sound that would challenge the status quo. They named their band Killing Joke, after a Monty Python sketch, and recruited bassist Youth and drummer Paul Ferguson.
Killing Joke soon became one of the most influential and original bands of the post-punk era, blending elements of punk, metal, industrial, and dub into a powerful and distinctive style. Walker’s guitar playing was a key factor in the band’s success, as he created a unique sound that was heavy, atmospheric, and hypnotic. He used various effects pedals, tunings, and techniques to produce a range of tones and textures, from distorted riffs to shimmering chords. He was widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential guitarists of his generation, and his style influenced many other musicians, such as Nirvana, Metallica, Nine Inch Nails, Foo Fighters, and Tool.
Walker was also a loyal and dedicated member of Killing Joke, staying with the band through various line-up changes, hiatuses, and reunions. He and Coleman were the only constant members of the band until Walker’s death. He recorded 17 studio albums with Killing Joke, the last one being 2021’s Magna Invocatio, which featured orchestral arrangements of the band’s songs. He also collaborated with other artists, such as Prong, Ministry, The Orb, and Fear Factory.
Walker was not only a brilliant musician, but also a humble and kind person, who was loved and respected by his fans, friends, and peers. He was known for his sense of humor, his generosity, and his
adventurous spirit. He traveled the world extensively, living in various countries, such as New Zealand, Iceland, and the Czech Republic. He was also interested in spirituality, astrology, and occultism, and had a deep connection with nature.
Walker’s death has left a huge void in the music world, and many tributes have poured in from his admirers and colleagues. His bandmates, Coleman, Youth, and Ferguson, issued a statement saying that they were “devastated and heartbroken” by the loss of their “brother and comrade”. They also thanked the fans for their support and asked for privacy and respect in this difficult time. They said that they would honor Walker’s legacy by continuing to make music that he would be proud of.
Walker is survived by his wife, Petra, and his two children, Tom and Jasmine. He will be remembered as a guitar genius, a musical pioneer, and a beautiful soul. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and loved him. Rest in peace, Geordie Walker. You will never be forgotten.
