Steve Mackey - best known for being the bassist for the UK band Pulp - has sadly passed away at the age of 56.
Pulp is an English rock band that formed in Sheffield in 1978, and while they struggled to find success through the 80s, they became a staple of the English music scene in the 1990s.
Releasing hits such as 'Common People' and 'Disco 2000' helped propel the band into fame which included headlining the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival twice.
Often mentioned in the same breath as Oasis and Blur, Pulp took the 1990s by storm before taking a decade-long break starting in 2001.
As reported by the Independent, bassist Steve Mackey announced in October last year that he would not be joining his bandmates for their upcoming reunion tour.
Sadly, Mackey tragically passed away today (March 2) as announced by his fellow bandmates, who said in a statement, per Metro: "Our beloved friend and 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 xx".
Alongside the announcement, the band shared an image of the Mackey in the Andes during a tour in South America.
The band wrote: "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)."
The band 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."
Mackey's wife, Katie Grand, shared a heartbreaking message to the bassist's Instagram page which 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."
The post continued: "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."
Mackey's cause of death is currently unknown, and the family has asked for privacy at this time.
Our thoughts are with Mackey's family, friends, and fans.
