Steve Mackey, Pulp‘s bass player, has died aged 56.

The news was broken by his family earlier today [March 2]. “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.”

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Pulp also wrote, “Our beloved friend & bass player Steve Mackey passed away this morning. Our thoughts are with his family & loved ones. Safe travels, Steve. We hope to catch up with you one day. All our love.”

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Mackey joined Pulp in 1989, playing on their run of commercially successful albums including 1994’s His ‘n’ Hers and 1995’s Different Class.

As a producer and songwriter, Mackey worked with Marianne Faithfull, M.I.A., Florence + The Machine and Arcade Fire.

Although Mackey had participated in Pulp’s 2011 – 2013 reunion, he announced in October last year that he would not be involved with the upcoming 2023 live shows.