The Black Keys & The Shins Musician Richard Swift Passes Away

Former touring bassist of The Black Keys and member of The Shins, Richard Swift, has passed away at the age of 41. 

As BBC reports, the songwriter was admitted to hospital last month due to a "serious medical condition", which saw a Gofundme page launched to support his medical bills. 

A post issued to Swift's Facebook page this morning confirmed his passing. 

Tributes have flowed for the musician since the news was confirmed, with The Black Keys issuing a statement soon after. 

"He was the funniest person we ever met, one of the most talented musicians we have ever worked with and we feel so honored to have known him. RIP Richard."

As well as performing, Swift produced Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats' 2015 self-titled debut album which peaked at #1 on the US Folk Albums chart.

 

Today the world lost one of the most talented musicians I know. He’s now with his Mom and Sister. I will miss you my friend.

A post shared by Easy Eye Sound (@easyeyesound) on Jul 3, 2018 at 6:38am PDT

Richard Swift was @JessieBaylin musical soul mate and could not have been a kinder soul. There will always be a special place in our hearts and memories for the one and only Walt Wolfman. RIP Swifty

— nathan followill (@doctorfollowill) July 3, 2018

A sad day in the world of music: the sudden passing of Richard Swift. Great producer, instrumental to so many strong artists, but also a wonderful songwriter himself. Hear his double opus “The Novelist / Walking without effort”. He will be missed and heard for times to come. ❤️

— Sondre Lerche (@SondreLerche) July 3, 2018

Richard Swift was the most talented person I’ve ever met, some impossible amalgamation of Harry Nilsson, Paul McCartney, and Levon Helm, beyond soulful on any instrument he picked up, and a writer of hilarious, heartbreaking, funky, psychedelic songs.

— Dave Depper (@davedepper) July 3, 2018

Great musician. “Lady Luck” closed out an episode of Eastbound and I’ve been a fan ever since. RIP Richard Swift https://t.co/ZAA9g8FcIg https://t.co/UuN8QH4lXW

— Ike Barinholtz (@ikebarinholtz) July 3, 2018

Richard Swift-41-What a brilliant musical and artistic mind we have lost! May your travels onward be gentle and light. There have been many highlights to recording both of my records, and one of the greatest was being in the room and working with you. pic.twitter.com/aVbQctktz1

— Valerie June (@TheValerieJune) July 3, 2018

So sad to hear about the passing of Richard Swift. He was the foundation of so many of our favorite records. We were not lucky enough to work with him but our friends who had, sang his praises nonstop. They’re all mourning today. He left his mark.

— The Head & The Heart (@headandtheheart) July 3, 2018

Richard Swift. Extremely funny, extremely cool, extremely talented. So sad

— UMO (@UMO) July 3, 2018