Primal Scream keyboardist Martin Duffy dies aged 55

News of Duffy's passing was revealed on Twitter this morning (20 December) by James Endeacott, who wrote, "Speechless and heartbroken. RIP Duffy xxx."

Speechless and heartbroken. RIP Duffy xxx pic.twitter.com/yGwMFxiJm3

— James Endeacott (@jamesendeacott) December 20, 2022

The Birmingham-born musician played keyboards for Primal Scream, and was part of the line-up for their iconic third album Screamadelica, as well as Felt, and also stepped in to play with The Charlatans when their founding member Rob Collins died. As well as working with Tim Burgess, Beth Orton, Paul Weller, The Chemical Brothers and more, Duffy released his debut solo album Assorted Promenades in 2014. He also contributed to Bobby Gillespie and Jehnny Beth's 2021 joint album Utopian Ashes.

Former bandmate Burgess also paid tribute to Duffy on Twitter this morning, writing, "Another tragic loss of a beautiful soul. Martin Duffy stepped in to save The Charlatans when we lost Rob - he played with us at Knebworth and was a true friend. He toured with me in my solo band too - he was a pleasure to spend time with. Safe travels Duffy."

Another tragic loss of a beautiful soul. Martin Duffy stepped in to save The Charlatans when we lost Rob - he played with us at Knebworth and was a true friend. He toured with me in my solo band too - he was a pleasure to spend time with. Safe travels Duffy pic.twitter.com/cvuEvvqYGa

— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) December 20, 2022