Richard Swift Dead at 41
The singer-songwriter and producer performed with The Shins, The Black Keys and The Arcs, in addition to his work as a solo artist
Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty
Singer-songwriter and producer Richard Swift died in Tacoma, Wash., on Tuesday morning after being hospitalized last month because of a serious, undisclosed medical condition, per Pitchfork. He was 41 years old.
Swift toured and performed with The Shins for five years. In addition, he acted as touring bassist for The Black Keys and played drums for Dan Auerbach’s side project The Arcs. As a producer, Swift collaborated with Guster, The Mynabirds, Sharon Van Etten and Damien Jurado. He released his last solo album The Atlantic Ocean in 2009.
Auerbach expressed his sadness at the news of Swift’s death on Twitter, writing, “I will miss you, my friend.”
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. @swiftswiftpic.twitter.com/h9FaboGieY
— Dan Auerbach (@danauerbach) July 3, 2018
Artists including David Bazan, Okkervil River and more also paid tribute to the late musician.
Richard Swift was a beautiful, powerful wizard. It really hurts that he’s gone.
— David “Abolish ICE” Bazan (@davidbazan) July 3, 2018
Richard Swift was a singularly talented musician and producer; his illness and death reveal how fragile everything really is. Love and support to his friends & his family & all those he made beautiful music with. https://t.co/QF5Px5HVCR