Kenny Morris, Early Siouxsie and the Banshees Drummer, Dead at 68

Kenny Morris, drummer for Siouxsie and the Banshees during the pioneering post-punk band’s formative years, has died at age 68.

While no cause of death has been disclosed, Morris’ passing has been reported by multiple sources, including his friend John Robb, a journalist for the music publication Louder Than War.

Technically, Siouxsie and the Banshees’ first drummer was Sid Vicious, who played one gig with the band in 1976, prior to becoming a member of the Sex Pistols. But, essentially, Morris was the band’s original drummer when it came to recorded material and their early shows, after joining the group in January 1977.

Morris played on the band’s first two albums, 1978’s The Scream and 1979’s Join Hands, before he and guitarist John McKay quit the group in September 1979 following an argument among band members during an in-store record signing. Morris was replaced by the Slits’ drummer Budgie, who remained with Siouxsie and the Banshees until 1996.

After he left Siouxsie and the Banshees, Morris worked as a drummer for UK singer Helen Terry, and went on to direct a number of short films. In the early ’90s, he moved to Ireland, and became an art teacher while also running an art gallery.

Recently, Morris had been working on a memoir, which was slated to be released sometime this year.

Our condolences go out to Morris’ family, friends, and bandmates during this difficult time. Revisit his playing with Siouxsie and the Banshees, and see the story behind his split from the band, in the video clips below.