Pulp bassist Steve Mackey has died aged 56

Mackey also had an illustrious career as a producer, helping to create Florence + The Machine's debut album Lungs.

Pulp bassist Steve Mackey has died aged 56, his family have announced.

Joining Pulp in 1989, Mackey has five Top 5 UK singles with the band, as well as two UK Number 1 albums - Different Class (1995) and This Is Hardcore (1998) before leaving the group in 2002, before reuniting with them briefly 2011 - 2013.

Mackey's family posted a tribute on social media announcing his passing: "After three months in hospital, fighting with all his strength and determination, we are shocked and devastated to have said goodbye 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. 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.”

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In a statement issued to social media today, the band - also comprised of Jarvis Cocker, Candida Doyle, Nick Banks and Mark Webber - said in a statement: "Our beloved friend & bass player Steve Mackey passed away this morning.

"Our thoughts are with his family & loved ones. Safe travels, Steve. We hope to catch up with you one day. All our love xx"

Outside of his work in Pulp, Mackey also had an illustrious career as a producer, working with the likes of M.I.A and Florence + The Machine.

He was one of the main architects of Florence's debut album Lungs (which reached Number 1 in 2009), working with Florence Welch on the band's first-ever charting single in the UK, Kiss With A Fist.

On their social media post, Pulp attached a picture of Mackey walking through wild mountains whilst on tour with the band in 2012.

They wrote: "This photo of Steve dates from when Pulp were on tour in South America in 2012.

"We had a day off and 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."

Mackey is survived by his wife, fashion journalist Katie Grand and their son Marley, born 1996.

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