Steve Mackey, the bass guitarist of Britpop icons Pulp Steve Mackey has died, aged 56. The group, known for hits including Common People and Disco 2000, announced the sad news on their social media pages on Thursday.
Alongside a photo of Mackey climbing in the Andes, the band wrote: "Our beloved friend & bass player Steve Mackey passed away this morning. Our thoughts are with his family & loved ones.
"This photo of Steve dates from when Pulp were on tour in South America in 2012. We had a day off & Steve suggested we go climbing in the Andes. So we did.
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“And it was a completely magical experience. Far more magical than staring at the hotel room wall all day (which is probably what we’d have done otherwise).
“Steve made things happen. In his life and in the band. And we’d very much like to think that he’s back in those mountains now, on the next stage of his adventure.
“Safe travels, Steve. We hope to catch up with you one day. All our love xx”
Steve studied at the Royal College of Art and later joined Sheffield-formed band Pulp in 1989. He played across many of the band’s most successful studio albums including 1994’s His ‘n’ Hers, which gained them prominence in the UK, and their chart-topping albums 1995’s Different Class and 1998’s This Is Hardcore.
The group’s best known line-up consisted of frontman Jarvis Cocker, Russell Senior, Candida Doyle, Nick Banks, Mark Webber and Mackey.
Steve's wife Katie Grand issued a statement on social media confirming the news on Thursday and paid heartbreaking tribute to her love. It read: "After three months in hospital, fighting with all his strength and determination, we are shocked and devastated to have said goodbye my brilliant, beautiful husband, Steve Mackey.
"Steve died today, a loss which has left myself, his son Marley, parents Kath and Paul, sister Michelle and many friends all heartbroken.
"Steve was the most talented man I knew, an exceptional musician, producer, photographer and filmmaker. As in life, he was adored by everyone whose paths he crossed in the multiple creative disciplines he conquered. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all the NHS staff who worked tirelessly for Steve. He will be missed beyond words."
Noel Gallagher was among the many music stars paying tribute to Steve. He posted on Instagram: "Go safe Mackey lad. You were one of the good guys."
Last year Pulp frontman Jarvis confirmed the group were reuniting for a series of concerts and festivals in 2023 including at the Neighbourhood Weekender in Warrington in May. Although bassist Steve was not due to appear at the upcoming shows.
Outside of his work in Pulp, Mackey also produced and recorded with many artists including M.I.A, Florence + The Machine and Arcade Fire. He also photographed and directed campaign images and motion advertising for many leading brands including Miu Miu, Marc Jacobs and Armani.
Steve also featured in Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire as the bassist of The Weird Sisters. Following the news on Thursday, tributes poured in from across the music world.
Massive Attack paid tribute to the bassist, quoting a lyric from the Britpop group’s 1995 song Sorted For E’s & Wizz and sharing a black and white photo of him smiling.
The trip hop group tweeted “And tell me when the spaceship lands ’cause all this has just got to mean something”, before adding a black heart.
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