Written by: Alex Green

Steve Mackey, who played bass for Pulp, has died.

The Sheffield-born, Ivor Novello Award-winning musician and producer was 56.

Although Mackey’s cause of death is not known, he was said to be suffering from an illness for the past three months that left him hospitalized.

Mackey joined Pulp for their 1991 album Separations, playing in the band with his childhood friend Richard Hawley. Additionally, he played on classic Pulp records like Different Class and This Is Hardcore. 

Although Mackey rejoined Pulp in 2010 after several years away, he did confirm months before his death that he was not going to take part in their 2023 reunion.

As a producer, Mackey was in-demand, producing albums by Palma Violets, Kelis, The Kills and Summer Camp. He also produced and co-wrote tracks with M.I.A., Florence and the Machine and The Long Blondes.

Fans of Harry Potter might spot Mackey in Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire as one of the members of the fictitious group The Weird Sisters, which also featured Phil Selway and Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead and Pulp’s Jarvis Crocker.

Mackey is survived by his wife and son.