Richard Swift, who played with the Black Keys and The Shins, is dead at 41

RICHARD Swift, a musician who had worked with the Black Keys and The Shins, has died after an undisclosed illness.

Richard Swift, who has played with the Black Keys and The Shins, has died at the age of 41. Picture: AP

A SINGER-SONGWRITER and member of alternative rock groups the The Black Keys and The Shins has died aged 41.

Richard Swift passed away this morning in Tacoma, Washington, according to a representative who spoke to Pitchfork.

Swift had released solo music, was a former member of indie rock band The Shins, and was a touring bassist for alternative rock group The Black Keys, reports The Sun.

He was a productive musician with seven albums in just four years.

Richard Swift was described as “one of the most talented musicians I know” by Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys. Picture: AP

Dan Auerbach, his Black Keys bandmate, wrote on Instagram: “Today the world lost one of the most talented musicians I know.

“He’s now with his Mom and Sister. I will miss you my friend.”

Nathan Followill from Kings of Leon, Okkervil River and Whitney all paid tribute to the late musician.

A post on Swift’s Facebook page read: “And all the angels sing ‘Que Sera Sera’. Richard Ochoa Swift March 16, 1977 — July 3, 2018.”

Last month it emerged he suffered from a “life-threatening condition”, though exact details of the illness were not revealed.

Friends and family then launched a GoFundMe page to help pay bills for his treatment. It gathered $US87,000 ($117,000) towards its $100,000 ($135,000) goal.

"He was the funniest person we ever met, one of the most talented musicians we have ever worked with and we feel so honored to have known him. RIP Richard.” - Dan & Pat

Photo credit: Alysse Gafkjen pic.twitter.com/RAusOLUPDD

— The Black Keys (@theblackkeys) July 3, 2018

Richard Swift was @JessieBaylin musical soul mate and could not have been a kinder soul. There will always be a special place in our hearts and memories for the one and only Walt Wolfman. RIP Swifty

— nathan followill (@doctorfollowill) July 3, 2018

Richard Swift was a singularly talented musician and producer; his illness and death reveal how fragile everything really is. Love and support to his friends & his family & all those he made beautiful music with. https://t.co/QF5Px5HVCR

— Okkervil River (@okkervilriver) July 3, 2018

rip richard swift :-( way too young

— Whitney (@whitneytheband) July 3, 2018

During his career he worked with a broad range of musicians, including Sean Lennon and producer Mark Ronson as well as Ryan Adams.

Swift also collaborated with and produced music for Ray LaMontagne, Guster, Tennis and Sharon Van Etten, among others.

Richard Swift was much-loved within the music industry. Picture: Instagram

This story was originally published in The Sun and is reprinted with permission.