Pulp bassist Steve Mackey dies aged 56

News of Mackey's passing was confirmed by Pulp on their socials this afternoon. They wrote: "Our beloved friend & bass player Steve Mackey passed away this morning. Our thoughts are with his family & loved ones.

"This photo of Steve dates from when Pulp were on tour in South America in 2012. We had a day off & Steve suggested we go climbing in the Andes. So we did. & it was a completely magical experience. 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. & we’d very much like to think that he’s back in those mountains now, on the next stage of his adventure.

"Safe travels, Steve. We hope to catch up with you one day."

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Pulp will play their first tour dates in over a decade beginning in May. When announcing the shows in October last year, Mackey revealed he wouldn't be joining his Pulp bandmates on tour. He wrote, "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."

Mackey joined Pulp in 1989, and took an eight-year hiatus between 2002 and 2010 before rejoining the band in 2011.