(From Filter Magazine, 22 October 2007)

Ministry/Killing Joke Bassist Dead

Over the weekend, the 46 year old, Grammy nominated bassist Paul Raven was found dead in a private home in a small French village along the Swiss border. Raven, most commonly known for replacing the original Killing Joke bassist Youth in 1982 during the bands most commercially successful period, and later for his work with Ministry, reportedly died of a heart attack in Geneva, while working with French recording artists Treponem Pal on their new release.
 
Raven was recognized for his contribution to the influential post-punk/industrial band Killing Joke, but also collaborated with Prong, Murder, Pigface, Godflesh, and Ministry. Killing Joke was cataloged with the likes of Joy Division and cited as an influence on Nirvana, while attracting punk and heavy metal fans.
Ministry’s frontman and founder Al Jourgensen said, “I am in total shock. The world of music is a sadder, emptier place… He will be truly missed by artists, musicians and his fans the world over. The one consolation is knowing Raven's already hooked up with the right people and started a new project in the after life. God's speed, Raven. Rest In Peace, you fucking pirate."

 A memorial dedicated to the Life and Art of Paul Raven can be found at www.thirteenthplanet.com