‘Safe travels, Steve.’
Pulp bass player Steve Mackey has died, the band announced on Thursday. He was 56.
According to the Guardian, Mackey’s wife, Katie Grand, announced the news on Instagram, writing: “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. Steve was the most talented man I have ever known, 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. The family has asked for privacy at this time.”
In a post on social media, Pulp wrote:
“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 xx”
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 xx pic.twitter.com/pickNV56Nl— Pulp (@welovepulp) March 2, 2023
Alongside the announcement, the band shared a picture of Mackey walking through mountains while on tour in 2012.
They wrote: “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.”
They continued: “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.
“And We’d very much like to think that he’s back in those mountains now, on the next stage of his adventure.”
The news comes after the band announced they were reuniting for a string of 10 shows this year.
Mackey was not going to be involved in the reunion shows.
Mackey joined Pulp in 1989, contributing to their third album Separations, and went on to play on all their subsequent studio albums, including the likes of Different Class and His ’n’ Hers.
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