Steve Mackay: Pulp bass guitarist dies aged 56

Steve Mackey, the bass guitarist of Britpop band Pulp, has died aged 56.
Pulp (left to right) Nick Banks, Candida Doyle, Mark Webber, Steve Mackey and Jarvis Cocker of Pulp, with the award for Outstanding Song Collection during the 62nd Annual Ivor Novello Music Awards at Grosvenor House in London. Mackey, the bass guitarist of Britpop band Pulp, has died aged 56.Pulp (left to right) Nick Banks, Candida Doyle, Mark Webber, Steve Mackey and Jarvis Cocker of Pulp, with the award for Outstanding Song Collection during the 62nd Annual Ivor Novello Music Awards at Grosvenor House in London. Mackey, the bass guitarist of Britpop band Pulp, has died aged 56.
Pulp (left to right) Nick Banks, Candida Doyle, Mark Webber, Steve Mackey and Jarvis Cocker of Pulp, with the award for Outstanding Song Collection during the 62nd Annual Ivor Novello Music Awards at Grosvenor House in London. Mackey, the bass guitarist of Britpop band Pulp, has died aged 56.

The group, who formed in Sheffield in 1978 and were known for their hits including Common People and Disco 2000, announced on their Instagram page that the musician died on Thursday.

A cause of death has not yet been confirmed but Mackey’s wife, stylist Katie Grand, revealed he had been in hospital in recent months.

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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 and loved ones.

“This photo of Steve dates from when Pulp were on tour in South America in 2012. We had a day off and Steve suggested we go climbing in the Andes. So we did.

“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”

Frontman Jarvis Cocker confirmed the group’s reunion last year, saying they will play “some concerts” in 2023, though bassist Mackey was not due to appear at the upcoming shows.

The group is scheduled to play a string of festivals in summer 2023, including Isle of Wight, Latitude and Trnsmt.

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