Unorthodox Toronto multi-instrumentalist Nash the Slash dies at age 66

TORONTO – Jeff Plewman, the Toronto electric violinist and experimental musician who performed as Nash the Slash with his face enveloped in surgical bandages, has died. He was 66.

His death was announced on Facebook by friend and collaborator Robert Vanderhorst, who wrote that Plewman died over the weekend. Vanderhorst also confirmed the death in an interview with the Toronto Star.

Plewman co-founded the progressive-rock band FM, who issued their debut “Black Noise” in 1977, and quickly established a long career as an eccentric solo artist whose compositions were nearly impossible to classify.

On his atmospheric solo records, Plewman would sometimes play all the instruments himself. Much of his solo work was instrumental, but 1982’s “And You Thought You Were Normal” — which included production from Daniel Lanois — and 1999’s well-received “Thrash” were among the records to feature his vocals.

He was secretive about his identity, performing with a tuxedo, top hat and sunglasses as well as the rags on his face, and he was evasive when asked in interviews for his real name.

He announced his retirement from music in 2012, writing on his website that it was “time to roll up the bandages.”