Share

Patti Smith and David Bowie guitarist Ivan Kral dies at 71

Prague - Czech rock guitarist, songwriter and producer Ivan Kral, who played with Patti Smith, Iggy Pop and David Bowie, has died aged 71, the organisers of a Prague festival said Monday.

"We're terribly sorry but we have to confirm the information that Ivan Kral has passed away," said the Metronome Festival Prague organisers on Facebook.

SEE THAT POST HERE: 

Kral died of cancer in his Michigan home, his wife Cindy Hudson said.

Born in 1948, just after the Communists seized power in former Czechoslovakia, Kral moved to the United States with his parents in 1966 when he was already an acclaimed musician at home.

He played with Blondie in 1974 before joining the Patti Smith Group a year later.

Kral wrote a number of songs with Patti Smith, including Dancing Barefoot, and scores for several films, including Barry Levinson's 1982 debut Diner.

When the Communist regime in former Czechoslovakia fell in the 1989 Velvet Revolution, Kral started to return to his home country as a performer and producer.

Compiled by Alex Isaacs.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE