Clash co-founder dead: Keith Levene was 65

Keith Levene, the trailblazing guitarist who co-founded The Clash and Public Image Ltd., died of liver cancer Friday. He was 65.

Author/writer Adam Hammond confirmed the punk pioneer’s passing in a statement.

“It is with great sadness I report that my close friend and legendary Public Image Limited guitarist Keith Levene passed away on Friday 11th November,” he wrote.

“There is no doubt that Keith was one of the most innovative, audacious and influential guitarists of all time.”

Levene co-founded The Clash in 1976, but left before the band started recording. He co-wrote “What’s My Name,” which appears on the first album.

He co-founded Public Image and performed with the group until 1983.

More to come.