Mick Karn, multi-instrumentalist and former bass player with the group Japan has died of cancer. He was 52.
A message on Karn's website reads: 'It's with profound sadness that we have to inform you that Mick finally lost his battle with cancer and passed away peacefully at 4.30pm today, 4th January 2011 at home in Chelsea, London. He was surrounded by his family and friends and will be deeply missed by all.'
The musician was born Adonis Michaelides in Cyprus but relocated to South London with his family when he was three years old. Karn formed Japan with friends David Sylvian, Richard Barbieri and Steve Jansen who all attended the same school in Catford before being joined by Rob Dean.
Following the huge commercial success of Japan's Tin Drum album, the band split in 1982 following rising tensions within the group. Karn then formed Dalis Car with Bauhaus' Peter Murphy, releasing an album in 1984. During the 1990s Karn formed the band NiNa with Japanese musicians and also reunited with members of Japan for Rain Tree Crow, releasing one critically-acclaimed album before forming Medium Productions with Steve Jansen and Richard Barbieri. Karn also created works as a visual artist.
In 2004, Karn moved to Cyprus with his wife and son, continuing his musical and art projects before returning to London in 2010 following diagnosis of his illness.
A message on Karn's website reads: 'It's with profound sadness that we have to inform you that Mick finally lost his battle with cancer and passed away peacefully at 4.30pm today, 4th January 2011 at home in Chelsea, London. He was surrounded by his family and friends and will be deeply missed by all.'
The musician was born Adonis Michaelides in Cyprus but relocated to South London with his family when he was three years old. Karn formed Japan with friends David Sylvian, Richard Barbieri and Steve Jansen who all attended the same school in Catford before being joined by Rob Dean.
Following the huge commercial success of Japan's Tin Drum album, the band split in 1982 following rising tensions within the group. Karn then formed Dalis Car with Bauhaus' Peter Murphy, releasing an album in 1984. During the 1990s Karn formed the band NiNa with Japanese musicians and also reunited with members of Japan for Rain Tree Crow, releasing one critically-acclaimed album before forming Medium Productions with Steve Jansen and Richard Barbieri. Karn also created works as a visual artist.
In 2004, Karn moved to Cyprus with his wife and son, continuing his musical and art projects before returning to London in 2010 following diagnosis of his illness.
