Mick Karn 1958-2011

Gary almost 14 years ago

Multi-instrumentalist Mick Karn died on Tuesday (January 4) following a six-month battle with cancer. He was 52. A statement was posted on his website:

It's with profound sadness that we have to inform you that Mick finally lost his battle with cancer and passed away peacefully at 4.30pm today, 4th January 2011 at home in Chelsea, London. He was surrounded by his family and friends and will be deeply missed by all.

The Cyprus-born multi-instrumentalist played bass with Japan from 1974 to its breakup in 1982. Following this, he released a solo album before joining Peter Murphy of Bauhaus to work on the project Dalis Car. The duo worked together last fall for a second Dalis Car album, Murphy wrote of Karn on his Facebook page:

It's with great sadness and affection and that I hear the news of Mick Karn's passing today. My Love goes out to Kyoko his wife, his son Metis and Mick's unfailing assistant and close friend Debi Zornes who I had the pleasure to meet during the brief spell that Mick and I got to work together this past autumn. Mick's wry sense of humour, keen creativity and graciousness were there even in the times of most physical distress. May he rest in the lap of Compassion.

Till we meet again.

Former Japan bandmate David Sylvian posted on his website:

May his suffering be at an end, may he find eternal peace.