Pulp bassist Steve Mackey has died at age 56.
“Our beloved friend & bass player Steve Mackey passed away this morning,” Pulp wrote in a Facebook post Thursday. “Our thoughts are with his family & loved ones.”
Mackey joined Pulp in 1988, and the band became a fixture of the ’90s Britpop scene, along with Oasis, Blur and Suede, thanks to songs including “Common People.” He remained with the group until their breakup in 2002 and took part in their reunion from 2011 to 2013.
Pulp announced in 2022 that they were getting back together again for shows in 2023, though Mackey elected not to take part.
“I’ve decided to continue the work I’m engaged in – music, filmmaking and photography projects – and will not be joining [Pulp] for these … shows just announced,” Mackey said at the time.
Mackey’s work outside of Pulp included producing songs for artists including Florence + the Machine and Arcade Fire.
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