Pulp Bassist Steve Mackey Passes Away at 56, Leaving Behind a Creative Legacy
by FARUK IMAMOVIC | VIEW 363
The music world is in mourning following the passing of Steve Mackey, the legendary bassist of British pop band, Pulp. Mackey, who was 56 years old, passed away recently, leaving behind his wife, stylist Katie Grand, and son, Marley.
Grieving the Loss of a Beloved Friend and Family Man
Grand expressed her grief in an emotional Instagram message, saying, "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."
Mackey was an accomplished musician, producer, photographer, and filmmaker, and was widely regarded as one of the key figures in British pop.
Pulp enjoyed their peak popularity in the 1990s, and Mackey's creative contributions were integral to the band's success. "Pulp were at the height of their fame in the 90s and are considered by many to be one of the key bands of British pop," a statement from the band said.
In October 2022, Mackey announced that he would not be joining Pulp for their latest set of reunion concerts in the summer of 2023.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 pic.twitter.com/pickNV56Nl — Pulp (@welovepulp) March 2, 2023
"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, filmmaking, and photography projects," he said. "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."
Pulp Bassist's Creative Contributions to Music and Fashion
Mackey's contributions to the music industry went beyond Pulp, as he also worked on projects with other notable figures, including Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele.
Mackey described Michele as "a true dreamer and always fearless, inquisitive, inspiring, and fun to work with." In later years, Mackey had turned his attention to fashion photography and filmmaking, working on high-profile projects for Miu Miu, Giorgio Armani, Moncler, and Saint Laurent.
He often collaborated with his wife's magazine, Love, on these endeavors. The cause of Mackey's death is currently unknown, and his family has requested privacy during this difficult time. Mackey's impact on British pop music and the broader creative landscape is undeniable, and his legacy will continue to be celebrated for years to come.