Steve Mackey, the bassist for the rock band Pulp, has passed away at the age of 56. The musician had been in the hospital for the past three months and died of an undisclosed illness on March 2. The tragic news was confirmed by his wife Katie.
Mackey joined Pulp in 1989 and went on to release five studio albums with the group, rising to global fame. Some of his most famous hits included Common People, Lipgloss, and Disco 2000. Read on to know more about his life and career.
‘Pulp’ Bassist Steve Mackey Passes Away at 56
Steve’s wife and stylist, Katie Grand, took to Instagram on Thursday to announce his passing. She wrote, “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,” she continued.
Mackey Released Five Albums with the Band
Mackey was a part of Pulp through the band’s most popular years in the 1990s. His first album with the band, Separations, proved to be highly successful and got them a contract with Island Records. Their second album, His’n’Hers, made it to the UK Top 10 charts in 1994, followed by Different Class, which reached number 1.
His final album with the band, We Love Life came out in 2001, after which the group went on a hiatus before reuniting for a world tour in 2011 and 2012. Steve also collaborated with several other artists, including Florence + the Machine, the Horrors, Cocker, and Thomas Bangalter.
Pulp announced their 2023 reunion concerts in October last year; however, the bassist chose not to be a part of the gigs. “I’m exceptionally proud of the body of work we’ve created together … however I’ve decided to continue the work I’m engaged in – music, film-making and photography projects,” he explained at the time.
Pulp Paid Their Tributes
The rock band shared a throwback photograph of Steve from their 2012 tour and wrote, “We had a day off and Steve suggested we go climbing,” the band said. “So we did and it was a completely magical experience. Far more magical than staring at the hotel wall all day (which is probably what we’d have done otherwise).”
“Steve made things happen, in his life and 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,” the group wrote further. British music group Massive attack also paid tribute to Steve by tweeting, “‘And tell me when the spaceship lands ’cause all this has just got to mean something’ Steve Mackey.”
Our condolences to Steve Mackey’s family and friends. May his soul rest in peace!