Kenny Morris, the drummer who helped ignite the sound of British New Wave with Siouxsie and the Banshees, has passed away at the age of 68. He was a pivotal figure in a band that defined the gothic post-punk era, leaving an indelible mark on music history.
Morris was a founding member, his driving rhythms laying the foundation for the band’s early success. He contributed to their first two albums, 1978’s groundbreaking *The Scream* and 1979’s equally influential *Join Hands*, both of which surged into the top 20 charts.
Those who knew him remember a uniquely captivating individual. Long-time friend John Robb described Morris as “sweet, articulate, artistic and fascinating,” cherishing his “beautiful eccentricity” as a rare quality in a sometimes harsh world.
Morris’s style was as unconventional as his talent. He was known for making striking entrances, sometimes in a suit and dress with open handcuffs, other times in a completely different, yet meticulously crafted, ensemble – always echoing the rebellious spirit of the 1976 punk scene.
He stepped into the band after a brief, single-show stint by Sid Vicious, quickly establishing himself as a crucial element in their sound. His drumming on their debut single, “Hong Kong Garden,” helped propel them onto the vibrant London underground scene.
Morris’s innovative approach to recording also shaped their signature sound. He uniquely recorded the cymbal track before the tom-toms, a technique that would influence countless post-punk bands that followed.
In 1979, following a disagreement during an in-store record signing, Morris and guitarist John McKay both departed from Siouxsie and the Banshees. This marked a turning point, as the band moved further into the new wave genre.
Morris didn’t disappear from the creative world. He pursued his passion for filmmaking at film school, continued to work as a live drummer, and eventually settled in Dublin, Ireland.
He found a new outlet for his artistic energy in painting, and his work gained recognition, being exhibited at prominent art shows throughout Ireland’s capital city. His legacy extends beyond music, encompassing a vibrant and multifaceted artistic life.
The loss of Kenny Morris is deeply felt by those who knew him and by the countless musicians and fans who were touched by his groundbreaking work with Siouxsie and the Banshees. He leaves behind a powerful and enduring musical legacy.
