It is with heavy hearts that we at The Sound Cafe mourn the passing of Matt Long, a remarkable young talent and the driving force behind the blues-rock powerhouse, Catfish.
Matt passed away at the tender age of 29 after a valiant battle with cancer, surrounded by his loved ones, including his soulmate Sam and his devoted family.
Matt Long was not only a gifted guitarist and vocalist but also a beacon of the British blues scene, amassing admiration for his soulful playing, emotive performances, and heartfelt lyrics. His family, in a moving statement, expressed their grief, saying:
"Our hearts are breaking. Yesterday, we lost our kind, funny, wonderful, talented son and Catfish frontman/guitarist Matthew Long to cancer. He was just 29."
Over the years, Catfish, with Matt leading the charge, established themselves as one of the most exciting blues-rock bands on the UK circuit. The band released three studio albums, a live album, and an acoustic EP, three of which (Broken Man, Burning Bridges and Exile-live in Lockdown) were nominated for UK blues awards and all of which resonated deeply with fans of the genre.
Matt was no stranger to accolades. His artistry and musicianship earned him numerous nominations and awards, solidifying his place as one of the brightest stars in the blues community. In 2018 and 2020, Catfish won the prestigious title of Blues Band of the Year, and Matt was honoured twice individually as Blues Instrumentalist of the Year in 2020 and 2021. The band’s livestream album Exile – Live in Lockdown was recorded at what was one of the first full electric livestreams by any blues-rock band in the UK during lockdown and was nominated for Album of the Year, showcasing the resilience and creativity Matt and his bandmates brought to their craft even during challenging times.
Reflecting on Matt’s spirit, his family expressed immense gratitude to the music community:
"Matthew was overwhelmed by the love and support he received from the music community. Thank you to all the incredible artists who took part in the many benefit gigs across the country, and to those of you who organised and attended them. We will be forever grateful to each and every one of you who contributed."
For those of us at The Sound Cafe, this loss feels deeply personal. Matt’s father, Paul Long, has been a cherished member of our extended family, having presented on our sister platform, Blues & Roots Radio, and recently joining The Sound Cafe Podcast team. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Paul, Fiona, and the entire Long family during this devastating time.
Matt’s legacy, however, will live on. His song ‘Archangel’, written in memory of his Nana, now feels like a poignant reflection of the heartbreak felt by all who knew and loved him. As his family so eloquently put it: "Goodbye, our beautiful boy."
Matt Long’s presence on stage was magnetic, and his music, filled with raw emotion and soulful precision, left an indelible mark on the blues-rock genre. He will be sorely missed, but his influence will continue to inspire future generations of musicians and fans alike.
To Paul, Fiona, and all of Matt’s family and friends, we extend our deepest sympathies. We mourn with you, and we celebrate the incredible legacy Matt leaves behind.
Rest in peace, Matt Long. You will always be remembered as one of the brightest stars in the blues sky.
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