Killing Joke’s Geordie Walker was born Kevin Walker, on December 18, 1958, and left an indelible mark on the world as an English rock musician. His musical journey was primarily defined by his role as the guitarist for the influential post-punk group Killing Joke, a band that would become synonymous with his unorthodox and widely acclaimed electric guitar playing.
Walker’s passion for the guitar was ignited at a young age, at the tender age of ten, when he was profoundly moved by the distinctive guitar sound in “Sabre Dance” by Love Sculpture. The impact was so significant that he confessed, “I used to go mad when it came on the radio.” This early fascination with the power of the instrument laid the foundation for his future as a groundbreaking guitarist.
When Geordie Walker was fourteen, his family relocated from Chester le Street to Bletchley in Buckinghamshire. It was during this period that he earned the nickname “Geordie” due to his north-eastern accent. Undeterred by the relocation, Walker delved into his passion for the guitar, driven by a daily ritual of locking himself in his bedroom, turning the amp up full, and passionately playing. His dedication to his craft became evident, and he quickly grasped the importance of melody lines over solos.
The pivotal moment in Walker’s musical journey occurred during Christmas in 1973 when his mother suggested he try a Gibson Les Paul, reminiscent of a concert she attended with Jimi Hendrix on the bill. The experience was transformative, and he fondly recalled his mother’s decisive verdict: “We’ll take it.” Walker worked two jobs at the time to save money, eventually acquiring another guitar, a Gibson SG Junior.
His trajectory took a significant turn when he moved to London to study architecture and responded to an advertisement by Jaz Coleman, the singer of Killing Joke. Despite having no prior experience playing in a band, Walker became a founding member of the group in March 1979. The Turn to Red EP marked his first release with Killing Joke in October 1979, followed by their debut self-titled album in October 1980. Over the years, Walker contributed to the band’s extensive discography, recording fifteen studio albums between 1980 and 2015.
Geordie Walker’s musical prowess extended beyond Killing Joke, as he became a member of industrial music supergroups Murder, Inc. and The Damage Manual. His versatility and creative energy allowed him to explore different facets of the music industry, leaving an imprint on various projects.
In the mid-1990s, Geordie Walker found himself in Royal Oak, Michigan, living with his wife Ginny Kiraly and his son Atticus. During the recording of “Hosannas from the Basements of Hell” in 2006, he showcased his production skills by working with the UK girl punk rock act Mary–Jane at Faust Studios in Prague. Walker later made Prague his residence, collaborating with Studio Faust Records, where he contributed to recording other artists’ music.
Throughout his career, Walker drew inspiration from diverse sources. Love Sculpture’s “Sabre Dance” left an enduring impact on him, as he admired how the guitar was used as a musical instrument to convey atmosphere, transcending conventional playing styles. He also cited Siouxsie and the Banshees’ debut album, “The Scream,” as influential, especially appreciating original guitarist John McKay’s refreshing chord structures.
Kevin “Geordie” Walker’s legacy extends far beyond the notes he played on his guitar. His contributions to Killing Joke, as well as his involvement in various musical projects, showcase a musician who constantly pushed boundaries and sought to create unique and atmospheric sounds. As fans reflect on his life and career, they remember a guitarist who embraced the unconventional, leaving an indelible mark on the world of rock music.
Geordie Walker died in Prague on November 26, 2023, two days after suffering a stroke.
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