The Pop Group star John Waddington has died aged 63. The sad news was confirmed on the band's official Twitter and Facebook pages.
"John Waddington – former guitarist and founding member of The Pop Group – has passed away. An influential musician, and an integral member of the group, John contributed to some of the band’s most iconic recordings," they said.
"John played on ‘Y’ and ‘For How Much Longer Do We Tolerate Mass Murder?’, the first two albums by The Pop Group, and later joined Maximum Joy for their debut album ‘Station MXJY’.
"John continued to make memorable appearances on records by Judy Nylon and by On-U Sound affiliated projects including New Age Steppers and African Head Charge. His energy and friendship will be sorely missed, and his unforgettable musicianship will always be remembered."
His cause of death has not yet been announced.
The star started his first band when he was only 17-years-old. He was the vocalist, guitarist and songwriter for the punk group, The Boyfriends.
He soon after went on to join The Pop Group, which was formed in Bristol in 1977. They released their debut album, Y, the same year.
John was the guitarist for the band for Y and For How Much Longer Do We Tolerate Mass Murder?
Other band members included bassist Simon Underwood, guitarist/saxophonist Gareth Sager, and drummer Bruce Smith.
He even joined Maximum Joy for their debut album and made appearances on On-U Sound-affiliated projects.
His death comes two months after the passing of lead singer and founding member of the Pop Group, Mark Stewart.
An official statement read: "Mark Stewart passed away in early hours of Friday 21 April 2023.
"Mark is in communion with love. As Sufis say; there is no such thing as death, no one is going to die, but since death is so valuable, it has been hidden in the safe of fears.
"Mark's family and friends respectfully ask to be given space at this difficult time."
Fans paid tribute to John and grieved over the loss of two of the band's stars.
"This is deeply saddening especially after the recent passing of Mark Stewart... RIP," one user said.
Another posted: "Commiserations to his family, friends, band members and those touched by his creativity. RIP."
On-U Sound Records, who worked with Mark, said: "All of us at On-U Sound are sad to learn of the passing of John Waddington, notably of @ThePopGroup, and a member of the On-U Sound family having played with New Age Steppers and African Head Charge."
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