Pulp bassist Steve Mackey has passed away aged 56, as the band pay tribute to their “beloved friend”.

The Sheffield-born musician had been in hospital for three months as he battled illness, with his wife Katie Grand announcing the news on her Instagram page.

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.

source heraldscotland.com