Steve Mackey dead: Pulp bassist dies aged 56 as heartbroken band pay tribute to ‘beloved friend’ – five months after he revealed he wouldn’t be taking part in reunion
Pulp bassist Steve Mackey has tragically died aged 56, after spending the last three months ‘fighting with all his strength and determination’ in hospital.
The musician passed away on Thursday morning, the band announced in a statement as his heartbroken wife Katie Grand revealed to fans he had secretly been battling with his health.
The news has come as a shock to fans, which comes five months after Steve revealed he wouldn’t be taking part in the band’s reunion.
Katie said she is ‘shocked and devastated’ by Steve’s death, while the band paid tribute to ‘their beloved friend’.
Stylist Katie wrote on Instagram: ‘After three months in hospital, fighting with all his strength and determination, we are shocked and devastated to have said goodbye to my brilliant, beautiful husband, Steve Mackey.
RIP: Pulp bassist Steve Mackey has tragically died aged 56. The musician passed away on Thursday morning, the heartbroken band announced in a statement
Heartbroken: Pulp rock band formed in Sheffield in 1978 – Mark Webber, Nick Banks, Jarvis Cocker, Steve Mackey, Candida Doyle L-R 1998
‘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 have ever known, 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.
Meanwhile, Pulp shared a photo of Steve on tour in South America in 2012 as they paid tribute.
They 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.
‘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).’
They continued: ‘Steve made things happen. In his life & in the band. & 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.’
No cause of death has been announced.
Devastated: Announcing the news on Twitter, Pulp shared a photo of Steve on tour in South America in 2012 as they paid tribute to their ‘beloved friend’
‘I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all the NHS staff who worked tirelessly for Steve. He will be missed beyond words.
‘The family has asked for privacy at this time.’
Shocked fans took to the comment section to share their condolences.
One wrote: ‘He will truly be missed,’ while another typed: ‘So so sorry to hear this news. Lots of love to everyone who knew him’.
In October, the bassist said he would not be joining this year’s Pulp reunion tour.
The band had planned to reform for a second time to play a number of dates across the UK and Ireland.
The tour which kicks off on 26 May stars in Bridlington Spa and includes two festival appearances, at Glasgow’s TRNSMT (7 July) and Latitude (21 July).
In a post shared to Instagram, the musician explained: ‘I’ve decided to continue the work I’m engaged in – music, filmmaking and photography projects, and will not be joining them for these UK shows just announced.
‘Wishing Candy, Nick, Mark and Jarvis the very best with forthcoming performances in the UK and also an enormous thanks to Pulp’s amazing fanbase, many of whom have sent me lovely messages today.’
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