'We are shocked': Pulp bassist Steve Mackey dies at 56 after 3 months in hospital, band pays tribute
LONDON, ENGLAND: Steve Mackey, the bass guitarist of the UK rock band 'Pulp', died at the age of 56 on Thursday, March 2. The legendary bassist, who joined the band in 1989, contributed to its biggest hits such as 'Common People', 'Babies' and 'Disco 2000'. The group went on a hiatus in 2002 but reformed for live performances in 2011 and 2012. After releasing their final recording in 2013, 'Pulp' was in talks to reunite this year. However, Mackey announced in October 2022 that he will not be joining the band's latest set of concerts scheduled for summer 2023.
Mackey was also a music producer and has co-written songs for 'Florence + the Machine' on the band's critically acclaimed album 'Lungs'. He also worked with the rock duo 'The Kills', 'The Long Blondes', and British rapper M.I.A, among others from the music industry. His fashion journalist wife Katie Grand took to Instagram to share the sad news with his fans on Thursday, March 2. Grand penned a heartbreaking post on Instagram alongside a smiling picture of Mackey under a monotone lens. The cause of his death has not been revealed.
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'The most talented man I knew'
The caption, which was called "a message from Katie," read: "After three months in hospital, fighting with all his strength and determination, we are shocked and devastated to have said goodbye to my brilliant, beautiful husband, Steve Mackey. Steve died today, a loss which has left myself, his son Marley, parents Kath and Paul, sister Michelle and many friends all heartbroken." Grand went on to appreciate her late husband.
She also stated, "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." She further commented on the post by simply writing "Steve" and a red heart emoji.
'Safe travels, Steve'
'Pulp' also paid a tribute to the talented music producer on their official Facebook page. The band posted a picture of Mackey where he can be seen wearing a red shirt and shorts as he walked through a mountain range, captured during a tour in 2012. The statement read: "Our beloved friend & bass player Steve Mackey passed away this morning. Our thoughts are with his family & loved ones. 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."
The rock band further talked about the "magical experience" of being with their late band member in the post. "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). 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," they wrote and concluded by saying, "Safe travels, Steve. We hope to catch up with you one day. All our love xx".