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.”
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.
& 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.”
