Steve Mackey, bassist of Britpop band Pulp, dies at 56

Steve Mackey, best known as bassist of the Britpop band Pulp, has died. He was 56.

Mackey’s bandmates took to Instagram Thursday to share the news. A cause of death was not given.

“Our beloved friend (and) bass player Steve Mackey passed away this morning. Our thoughts are with his family (and) loved ones,” the band wrote alongside a throwback tour photo of Mackey. “We had a day off (and) Steve suggested we go climbing in the Andes. So we did. (And) 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).”

The band continued: “Steve made things happen. In his life (and) in the band. (And) 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.”

USA TODAY has reached out to Mackey’s representative for further details.

Pulp was formed by teenage vocalist Jarvis Cocker in 1978 and made its musical debut with the album “It” in 1983. The band went through numerous lineup changes before bringing on Mackey for its third album “Separations,” released in 1992. The acid house-meets-indie pop LP boasted the hit single “My Legendary Girlfriend,” which laid the groundwork for a record deal with Island Records.

Pulp’s major label debut, “His 'n' Hers,” solidified the band’s place in the Britpop surge of the ‘90s, garnering acclaim and chart success alongside groups such as Oasis and Blur. The album went on to crack the British Top 10 and earned Pulp a Mercury Prize nomination for album of the year in 1994.

In addition to his work with Pulp, Mackey also lent his talent as a songwriter and producer to nurturing the next generation of alternative pop darlings, working with artists including Florence and the Machine, M.I.A. and Arcade Fire.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Steve Mackey dead: Britpop band Pulp bassist dies at 56