Massive Attack, Pet Shop Boys and more pay tribute to Pulp bassist Steve Mackey

The musician – who joined Pulp in 1989 – has died aged 56.

News of Steve Mackey’s passing was shared by his wife Katie Grand yesterday morning (2 March). In an Instagram post, she said that he had died after spending three months in hospital.

“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 wrote. “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.”

Pulp also shared a tribute post to Mackey – who played bass guitar in the band from their third album Separations onwards. “Our beloved friend & bass player Steve Mackey passed away this morning. Our thoughts are with his family & loved ones,” they wrote, sharing a photo of Mackey in the Andes from when Pulp toured South America in 2012. “Steve made things happen. In his life and in the band.”

In addition to forming part of Pulp, Mackey worked with the likes of Florence and the Machine, M.I.A., The Horrors and Spiritualized as a producer, co-writer and mixer. He was also a filmmaker and photographer working with brands such as Miu Miu, Giorgio Armani and Saint Laurent as well as collaborating with Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele.

Following the news of his death, tributes have been pouring in to the late musician. Read a selection of tributes to him from Massive Attack, Pet Shop Boys, M.I.A. and more below.

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