Pulp bass player Steve Mackey has died.
Initial reports moved across social media earlier today, with Pulp now sharing an official statement confirming his death. Steve Mackey was 56 years old, and had been living in North London with his wife and family.
In the note, Pulp write: “Our beloved friend & 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.”
Our beloved friend & bass player Steve Mackey passed away this morning. Our thoughts are with his family & loved ones. Safe travels, Steve.
— Pulp (@welovepulp) March 2, 2023
We hope to catch up with you one day. All our love xx pic.twitter.com/pickNV56Nl
Steve Mackey joined Pulp in 1989, and played across all their most successful albums. An excellent musician, his playing can be heard on the band’s era-defining hits, but he also helped push Pulp back towards the left-field.
A noted producer, Steve Mackey also worked with everyone from Cornershop to The Kills via M.I.A. while also co-writing a number of songs on Florence + The Machine’s debut album ‘Lungs’.
In 2017 Steve Mackey – along with the other members of Pulp – was awarded a special Ivor Novello trophy for Outstanding Song Collection.
Pulp are set to reform this summer, and have detailed plans for a nationwide run of live shows, including headline slots at TRNSMT and Latitude, as well as an open air date at London’s Finsbury Park.
In a note last year, Steve Mackey had ruled himself out of the shows, citing prior commitments; “I’ve decided to continue the work I’m engaged in – music, filmmaking and photography projects, and will not be joining them for these UK shows just announced.”
Our thoughts are with his friends, family, and loved ones.
