Black Midi, the London band celebrated for their avant-garde noise-rock and prog-punk fusion, has disbanded. This news was revealed unexpectedly during an Instagram Live session hosted by Geordie Greep, the band’s lead singer and guitarist.
Greep announced that “Black Midi is over” and indicated that the band would not continue indefinitely. Fans were taken aback, especially as they awaited the release of a new album following their 2022 critically acclaimed work, Hellfire.
The confirmation of the breakup came from bassist and vocalist Cameron Picton, who expressed his own surprise through a tweet that has since been deleted. Picton revealed that the band had previously decided to keep any breakup news private, making Greep’s announcement an unexpected development for everyone involved. Despite the sudden end of Black Midi, Picton is looking forward to his future projects and is already beginning work on his solo music career.
Black Midi, established in 2017, rapidly distinguished themselves in London’s music scene with their electrifying live performances and a growing fanbase fueled by word-of-mouth. Their debut album, Schlagenheim (2019), garnered critical acclaim and earned a Mercury Prize nomination.
This early success paved the way for a highly successful American tour, which was mostly sold out and solidified the band’s reputation in the international music landscape.
The band continued their success with subsequent albums, including Cavalcade (2021) and Hellfire (2022). Known for their experimental approach and high-energy performances, Black Midi maintained a distinctive presence in the music scene. Their association with other innovative bands like Black Country, New Road highlighted their role in the evolving landscape of British experimental rock.
The end of Black Midi marks a significant moment in the music world, closing a chapter on a band that had a profound impact with their unique sound and approach. While their career was relatively brief, their influence and contributions to the genre will be remembered, as members move forward to explore new musical avenues.