Steve Mackey dead: Pulp bassist dies aged 56 as heartbroken band pay tribute

Pulp bassist Steve Mackey has tragically died aged 56.

The musician passed away on Thursday morning, the heartbroken band announced in a statement. 

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. 

Announcing the news on Twitter, Pulp shared a photo of Steve on tour in South American in 2012 as they paid tribute to their ‘beloved friend’.  

They wrote: ‘Our beloved friend & bass player Steve Mackey passed away this morning. Our thoughts are with his family & loved ones.’

Heartbroken: The musician passed away on Thursday morning, the band announced in a statement

‘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. 

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’.