City-born rock star Raven dies
A Wolverhampton-born rock star has died of a suspected heart attack aged 46.
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."
