Bassist Steve Mackey dies at the age of 56

The bassist of Britpop band Pulp, Steve Mackey, died on Thursday at the age of 56. This was announced by his wife Katie Grand and the band Pulp on Instagram.

"After three months in hospital where he fought with all his strength and determination, we are shocked and devastated to say goodbye to my brilliant, beautiful husband," Grand wrote. Mackey was the most talented man she had known, "an extraordinary musician, producer, photographer and filmmaker".

The cause of death was not disclosed. Pulp was one of the most important representatives of Britpop in the 90s and is known for hits such as "Common People" and "Disco 2000".

Born in Sheffield in 1966, the musician joined Pulp in 1989. He played on many of the band's studio albums, including "His 'n' Hers" from 1994, which made the band with frontman Jarvis Cocker famous in the UK. After a nine-year break, the band was active again from 2011 to 2013.

Last year, Cocker confirmed the group's reunion and said they would play "a few concerts" in 2023, as reported by the PA news agency. Mackey, however, no longer wanted to be a part of it and explained that he wanted to concentrate on his music, film and photography projects. He had also worked with many other artists, including the band Florence + The Machine and the Canadian rock band Arcade Fire.

Mackey also photographed and staged campaign images. In 2005, he appeared in the film "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" as the bassist of the band The Weird Sisters. Mackey is survived by his wife and an adult son.