In Memoriam: Steve Mackey

Steve Mackey

Photo credit: Hofner

Steve Mackey, who played bass for the Britpop band Pulp, has passed away after a prolonged illness. He was 56 years old. The news was shared by his wife, Katie Grand, on Mackey’s Instagram page.

“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,” she wrote. “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. 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.”

Mackey was born in Sheffield, England, and moved to London in 1988 to get a degree in film-making from London’s Royal College of Art. He would join Pulp the next year, first contributing on 1992’s Separations. He would perform on every subsequent album as well as the reunions as the took and returned from hiatuses.

In addition to his time in Pulp, Mackey was a producer and worked with artists like M.I.A., Kelis, The Kills, The Horrors, and more. He also worked as a photographer and film-maker. In October 2022, he announced he would not participate in Pulp’s 2023 reunion.

“I’m exceptionally proud of the body of work we’ve created together … however I’ve decided to continue the work I’m engaged in – music, film-making and photography projects,” he explained.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Steve Mackey.

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