Co-founder of one of the most influential groups of all time dies of suspected heart attack.
Today we learn the news that Buzzcocks singer Pete Shelley has passed away in Estonia, where he had been living. The man who was responsible for hits like ‘Ever Fallen In Love? (With Someone You Shouldn’t Have Fallen In Love With’, ‘Why Can’t I Touch It?’, and ‘What Do I Get’, reportedly died of a heart attack, aged 63. The remaining members of Buzzcocks made a statement on Twitter earlier this morning:
“It’s with great sadness that we confirm the death of Pete Shelley, one of the UK’s most influential and prolific songwriters and co-founder of the seminal original punk band Buzzcocks. Pete’s music has inspired generations of musicians over a career that spanned five decades and with his band and as a solo artist, he was held in the highest regard by the music industry and by his fans around the world.”
Naturally, tributes to Shelley have been pouring out over Twitter:
I am totally shocked and saddened to just hear of the untimely death of Pete Shelley.
A superb songwriter, artist and a totally sweet hearted guy who was one of the very few originals of punk and even a one off within that.
My deepest condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/vqYRtYyf1C— Glen Matlock (@GlenMatlock) December 6, 2018
Pete Shelley – a true gent!
He helped us so much at the start of our career out of a sheer love for all things punk. Without Pete & the Buzzcocks I would probably still be working at the Docks. RIP mate. X
— Peter Hook (@peterhook) December 6, 2018
Pete Shelley wrote perfect three minute pop songs. The soundtrack to being a teenager. You’ll be missed Pete but you’ll be remembered for a long long time for your brilliant music https://t.co/bt03fGbcgd
— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) December 6, 2018
