London: Kenny Morris, the original studio drummer of pioneering punk band Siouxsie and the Banshees, passed away. He was 68.

His death was confirmed by a friend and music journalist, John Robb.

Morris was part of the classic early lineup of Siouxsie and the Banshees, performing alongside vocalist Siouxsie Sioux, bassist Steven Severin, and guitarist John McKay. He joined the band in January 1977 after attending their first live performance at London’s 100 Club

His first studio recording with the group came in November 1977 during their debut John Peel session for BBC Radio.

Born in London to Irish parents, Morris played a crucial role in shaping the band’s early sound. His drumming provided the rhythmic foundation for their seminal debut album The Scream (1978) and its follow-up, Join Hands (1979), records widely regarded as cornerstones of post-punk music.

Before joining the Banshees, Morris briefly collaborated with Sid Vicious on the pre–Sex Pistols project Flowers of Romance.

His tenure with Siouxsie and the Banshees ended in September 1979, when he and guitarist John McKay quit the band following an argument during an in-store record signing.

After leaving the group, Morris pursued diverse creative paths, working in music production, filmmaking and continuing to perform as a drummer.

In the early 1990s, he relocated to Cork, Ireland, where he immersed himself in the visual arts. He became a respected painter, art teacher and gallery manager. In recent years, his artwork has been exhibited in galleries across Dublin.