PETE SHELLEY, lead singer and guitarist with punk rock band Buzzcocks, has passed away at the age of 63.
BBC News reports that Shelley died in Estonia, where he was living, of a suspected heart attack.
In a statement, the band said: “It’s with great sadness that we confirm the death of Pete Shelley, one of the UK’s most influential and prolific songwriters and co-founder of the seminal original punk band Buzzcocks.
“Pete’s music has inspired generations of musicians over a career that spanned five decades and with his band and as a solo artist, he was held in the highest regard by the music industry and by his fans around the world.”
Shelley, born in Leigh, Lancashire in 1955, formed the band with Howard Devoto in Bolton in 1976.
A major influence on the Manchester music scene, Buzzcocks are best known for their 1978 hit Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve).
The band broke up in 1981 but reformed eight years later.
Figures from the music world have paid tribute to Shelley, including Belfast punk band Stiff Little Fingers.
"And I hate modern music
Disco boogie and pop
They go on an' on an' on an' on an' on..."Sadly, now they have stopped.
All of us are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of a true original and phenomenal songwriter.
R.I.P. Pete Shelley.
— Stiff Little Fingers (@RigidDigits) December 6, 2018
Farewell Pete Shelley.
The first album I ever owned was Love Bites By Buzzcocks. This is my favourite song by them https://t.co/5PSjuQpPM9— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) December 6, 2018
People on here being more upset about Dani Dyer splitting up with some cunt from Love Island than Pete Shelley's death makes me long for 1978 #grumpyoldmantweet
— David Baddiel (@Baddiel) December 6, 2018
I am totally shocked and saddened to just hear of the untimely death of Pete Shelley.
A superb songwriter, artist and a totally sweet hearted guy who was one of the very few originals of punk and even a one off within that.
My deepest condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/vqYRtYyf1C— Glen Matlock (@GlenMatlock) December 6, 2018
RIP Pete Shelley, punk rock legend, songwriting genius and nice bloke as well, very sad l’ll never see him play again pic.twitter.com/2Gn1UWmilS
— Calling All Astronauts (@CAA_Official) December 6, 2018
Part of my youth dies with him. https://t.co/gKpkmScCvc RIP Pete Shelley https://t.co/TsB6QLk2JI
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) December 6, 2018
Saddened to hear of the passing of a true punk original Pete Shelley. RIP Pete pic.twitter.com/vpFRtMwU2F
— The Stranglers Site (@StranglersSite) December 6, 2018
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