A Wolverhampton-born rock star has died of a suspected heart attack aged 46.
The body of Paul Raven, who played bass for post-punk band Killing Joke before later working with groups Ministry, Prong and Godflesh, was discovered on Saturday in Geneva, Switzerland, where he had been working on a new album.
Born Paul Vincent Raven in 1961, he grew up in Tettenhall, and his father is Black Country entertainer and folk singer Jon Raven. His early musical career included stints in Neon Hearts and the short-lived 1982 glam rock band Kitsch.
His big break came when he replaced original Killing Joke bassist Youth in mid-1982, and was with the group through its most commercially successful period, appearing on several albums. Raven left the group in 1987 and went on to form Murder, Inc with his bandmates.
He worked on many projects with many legendary metal artists and his most recent work was with Mob Research, whose debut album is yet to be released.
Raven’s body was discovered by Ted Parsons, who was a member of the band Prong and had been recording with Raven. He said he had been out drinking with Raven the night before.
On his myspace webpage, he wrote: “I found Raven asleep in a chair the next morning in the living room. I thought nothing of it, as Raven would sleep like this on the tour bus in the front lounge all the time. Then I looked closer at him, and he looked very grey. I checked his pulse and there was none.
“I yelled for the other guys in the band. We immediately did some CPR and called for an ambulance. Medics arrived quickly, but after an hour of trying to get his heartbeat back, they could not save him. They said he died in his sleep, probably around 6am. It was then 9:30am. Words can’t describe how I feel right now. I’m devastated. He will be missed by many.”
Al Jourgensen, who was in Ministry with Raven, expressed shock at Raven’s passing. He said: “The world of music is a sadder, emptier place. Not only was Raven an extraordinary talent, but one of my closest, dearest friends. Our condolences and prayers go to his immediate family. He will be truly missed by artists, musicians and his fans the world over.”
11 Comments
Neon Hearts were our local heroes..well for me they were..I still play those Neon Hearts albums and singles today …I met Raven in the Marquee one night and he knew a friend of mine so we were kind of introduced…he was really polite…very enthusiastic.
I followed him though Killing Joke and Murder Inc..and after that saw his name popping up in various bands.
A sad loss indeed..
Snap Crackle……
The music world is a much poorer place today.
Raven lives on in all of the hearts he has touched over the years.
He was dearly loved and will be sorely missed.
Devastated…
Statement of Behalf of the Raven Family:
The expression ‘one of a kind’ has lost its value but my beautiful brother, Paul Vincent Raven, redefined it. He was a one man army, as intelligent, funny, loving and singularly angry a man as I have ever known. His life was truly his own, from its beginning to this awful, tragic end. This family’s heart is bleeding and it will never stop. To know that we will never hear his voice and see his face again is a wound that nothing will heal. We would like to thank Paul’s friends and comrades for their invaluable support at this impossible time.
Daniel Jon Raven
why all the good guys gone?johnny joey dee dee strummer adamson bolan cobain.killing joke their music will stay forever.heartfelt sorrow thoughts with ravens family.
I’m gutted to hear of his demise. He was such a handsome beast. The Neon Hearts were ‘our’ band & I was so proud to see them on tv performing “Popular Music”. Awful song, but knowing the people in the band gave you a little bit of reflected glory.
The Neon Hearts inspired many kids
including myself to form punk bands.
I will never forget the electrifying atmosphere Pauls Bass Lines created at the Lord Raglan on songs such as Pretty as a Picture.
My best wishes go out to his family and many friends.
Guesty
Very sad news, Neon Hearts supported one of the first bands I ever saw at Wolves Civic ( Generation X) I was 14. Obviously being a local band I also saw them many times since then. They were as someone else has said ‘local heroes’
My thoughts go to the family and friends of Paul.
J x
The loss of someone is always hard, the loss of a son or daughter or brother or sister is the most difficult.Knowing the Raven family as I do this loss will be deverstating.My thoughts are with your all, Kate, Jon and Dan.
R.I.P. `Rave’ as he was known to us at Regis Comprehensive in Tettenhall in the late `70`s. A swaggering, gum chewing poser. A pop star in the making, learning the Bass Guitar was merely a formality for him when he took to the stage in his school band Xerxes in 1976. Anyone who knew Paul would agree with me that he was hugely charismatic, incredibly funny, warm, and generous. A genuinely nice man. God bless.Gert
RIP Paul. Can’t believe this - only found out about this through checking the Ministry website. Was lucky enough to see Raven play with Killing Joke and Pigface eons ago. I was lucky enough to meet him - a really nice bloke. The final Ministry tour won’t be the same without him. Sincere condolences to his family.
# Gert Barton said: Nov 11th, 2007 at 5:06 am
R.I.P. `Rave’ as he was known to us at Regis Comprehensive in Tettenhall in the late `70`s. A swaggering, gum chewing poser. A pop star in the making, learning the Bass Guitar was merely a formality for him when he took to the stage in his school band Xerxes in 1976. Anyone who knew Paul would agree with me that he was hugely charismatic, incredibly funny, warm, and generous. A genuinely nice man. God bless.Gert
I was the drummer in Xerxes …. !! Paul was one of my very best friends, ever. Great Days
R.I.P. Raven, We’ll jam when I get there, Brother …… Love, Doz