mxdwn.co.uk » Bassist https://www.mxdwn.co.uk all that matters in music in the UK Tue, 12 May 2026 22:27:37 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=4.1 Pete Garner, The Original Stone Roses Bassist, Dies Aged 59 https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/pete-garner-the-original-stone-roses-bassist-dies-aged-59/ https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/pete-garner-the-original-stone-roses-bassist-dies-aged-59/#comments Tue, 07 Nov 2023 14:00:55 +0000 http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=97608 Pete Garner, the original bassist in The Stone Roses, has died aged 59. Tributes from fans and the remaining Stone Roses band members have flooded social media, honouring Garner’s contribution to the iconic Manchester band.

No official cause of death has been announced, though fans were aware that Garner had been battling cancer. Media outlets had also been reporting his age as 61, however Ian Brown, frontman of The Stone Roses, corrected this information via Twitter.

Brown wrote, “Our lovely friend Pete was only 59. RiP Pete X.”

He continued, “Yeah very sad. We were young punk rockers when we met in 77. The nite before Petes maths and geography O levels we went to see the Clash. Always made me chuckle he did that and of course he made the right decision! X.”  

Garner was a member of the band from 1983-1987, playing on some of the band’s most beloved tracks, including “Sally Cinnamon,” “Tell Me” and “So Young.” Garner met Ian Brown and guitarist John Squire at school and was asked to join The Stones Roses three years later.

Garner reportedly made the decision to leave The Stone Roses in favour of working at an HMV because he “believed he wasn’t good enough for them.” He was initially replaced by Rob Hampson, before Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield assumed the role in 1987.

Ian Brown also shared that “few loved music as much as Pete,” calling him “off the scale nice.”

One fan made a tribute video, celebrating Garner’s contribution to The Stone Roses by putting together rare footage and photos of the band’s early days.  

Other fans also shared their appreciation for Garner, with one writing, “he laid the foundations of the band.”

]]> https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/pete-garner-the-original-stone-roses-bassist-dies-aged-59/feed/ 0 The Smiths Bassist, Andy Rourke, Dies Aged 59 https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/the-smiths-bassist-andy-rourke-dies-aged-59/ https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/the-smiths-bassist-andy-rourke-dies-aged-59/#comments Sat, 20 May 2023 12:13:36 +0000 http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=61759 Andy Rourke, the bassist for the iconic 1980s band The Smiths, tragically passed away following his battle with pancreatic cancer. Rourke was just 59 years old.

Rourke contributed to all four of The Smiths’ albums, The Smiths, Meat is Murder, The Queen is Dead and Strangeways, Here We Come. Following their disbandment, Rourke went on to work with artists such as Badly Drawn Boy, Sinead O’Conner, The Pretenders and former Oasis guitarist, Bonehead.

There was an outpouring of tributes from his ex-bandmates, with The Smiths’ guitarist Johnny Marr taking to Twitter to confirm the news.

Marr wrote, “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andy Rourke after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer. Andy will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by those who knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by music fans.“

Marr went on to request privacy as the band grieve their former bandmate and friend.

The Smiths’ frontman Morrissey shared his own tribute on his website, writing, “I just hope … wherever Andy has gone … that he’s OK. He will never die as long as his music is heard. He didn’t ever know his own power, and nothing that he played had been played by someone else. His distinction was so terrific and unconventional and he proved it could be done.”

Morrissey continued, “He was also very, very funny and very happy, and post-Smiths, he kept a steady identity – never any manufactured moves. I suppose, at the end of it all, we hope to feel that we were valued. Andy need not worry about that.”

Mike Joyce, The Smiths’ drummer, also shared his thoughts, tweeting, “Not only the most talented bass player I’ve ever had the privilege to play with but the sweetest, funniest lad I’ve ever met. Andy’s left the building, but his musical legacy is perpetual. I miss you so much already. Forever in my heart mate.”  

Andy Rourke’s contribution to music has been celebrated by musicians and fans alike, with presenter Terry Christian summing his passing up as “another hole left In the History of Manchester music.”

]]> https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/the-smiths-bassist-andy-rourke-dies-aged-59/feed/ 0 Pulp Bassist Steve Mackey Dies Aged 56 https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/pulp-bassist-steve-mackey-dies-aged-56/ https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/pulp-bassist-steve-mackey-dies-aged-56/#comments Fri, 03 Mar 2023 18:31:39 +0000 http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=59780
Steve Mackey, the bassist for British rock band Pulp, has passed away at the age of 56. Mackey was a part of the band during its most successful years. His wife, Katie Grand, announced the sad news in a social media post on Thursday (2 March), confirming the musician had been suffering from an undisclosed illness for the past three months.
“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 knew, an exceptional musician, producer, photographer and filmmaker.”
She continued ‘’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 posted a personal tribute to their former bassist, informing their fans of their band members passing. The tribute was a photo of Steve Mackey, which was taken during a day off from their South American tour in 2012.
 ”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.
All our love xx
#stevemackey” Steve Mackey was born in 1966 in Sheffield. He joined the band Pulp ten years into the bands music career, in 1989. The musician first appeared on their third studio album, Separations, which was released in 1992. The band signed to Island Records in the early 1990’s and became Brit-pop icons after the release of their  albums His N’ Hers (1994) and Different Class (1995). Pulp went on hiatus in 2002 and Steve Mackey continued his music career co-writing and producing for other artists. He worked with musicians Florence and the Machine, Arcade Fire and MIA. Mackey also had a cameo in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in 2005.
Pulp are set to embark on a reunion tour in the summer of 2023. In October of 2022, Mackey announced in a statement to his social media fans that he wouldn’t be joining the band for the tour, ”PULP Is a very important part of my creative life… and I’m exceptionally proud of the body of work we’ve created together.
Jarvis and  I remastered  Pulp’s entire Universal Records back catalogue together  just over two years ago at Abbey Road Studios. It was a huge pleasure to do that and review our songs and recordings together. There have been wide reports of a full reunion for UK concerts today. However 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. Wishing  Candy, Nick, Mark and Jarvis the very best with forthcoming performances in the UK and also an enormous thanks to Pulp’s amazing fanbase, many of whom have sent me lovely messages today.”

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