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Daily Record
Entertainment
Kirsten McStay

Martin Duffy dead: Primal Scream band member dies as pals pay tribute to 'beautiful soul'

Primal Scream keyboardist Martin Duffy has sadly passed away at the age of 55.

Until his death, Martin played with Primal Scream but previously started out in Felt in 1985 then he stepped in to play with The Charlatans when founder Rob Collins died in 1996.

Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess took to Twitter to pay tribute to his friend who he described as a 'beautiful soul'.

He wrote: "Another tragic loss of a beautiful soul. Martin Duffy stepped in to save The Charlatans when we lost Rob - he played with us at Knebworth and was a true friend. He toured with me in my solo band too - he was a pleasure to spend time with. Safe travels Duffy."

Previously, Tim hailed Martin after he 'saved The Charlatans' and stepped in and learned their songs last minute so that they could support Oasis at Knebworth.

He said: "Knebworth was such a huge deal for us. Rob had died a couple of weeks before and we were ready to give up. Martin Duffy (Primal Scream’s keyboard player) saved us. He’d learnt all of our songs and said we had to do it. We knew we had to. The most emotional gig ever for us."

He added: "We thought we might never play again. It was the toughest gig we ever played. We came through."

Scots author Irvine Welsh also paid tribute to Martin, saying he had a 'golden heart'. He wrote: "Yesterday was a heartbreak. The last time I saw Martin was at my wedding in the summer when he wrapped his arms around myself and my wife and wished us all the love in the world. He had a golden heart and the craziest sense of humour. I’m really going to miss him."

And fans paid tribute to the musical icon.

One wrote: "Rest in power, Martin Duffy. Deepest condolences to those who knew and loved him."

Another wrote: "Gutted to hear of the passing of Martin Duffy of Primal Scream. Massive loss to a most magic band. RIP Duffy."

Martin Duffy played keyboard for The Charlatans and Primal Scream (Twitter)

While one penned: "So saddening another musically gifted artist has passed. Thoughts with his family."

Another commented: "Oh god. What a tragic morning. Martin Duffy RIP. I remember when he joined Felt and seemed so young and so cool, bringing another dimension to their sound. And then being so pleased when Primal Scream gave him new opportunities to shine. Gone way too young."

Primal Scream last played Glasgow back in the summer, in Queen's Park in Glasgow's south side, and had recently announced that they will be headlining Midnight Sun Weekender in May next year at Lewis Castle Green.

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