Buzzcocks frontman Pete Shelley dies, age 63
Singer, songwriter and guitarist Pete Shelley, best-known to most as the frontman of punk legends Buzzcocks, has died at the age of 63.
It is believed that Shelley suffered a heart attack, with a statement from the band's management saying that Shelley had died on Thursday at his home in Tallinn, Estonia, where he had been living since 2012.
Scoring their biggest hit in 1978 with 'Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've)', Buzzcocks were amongst the most influential bands of the punk movement and would go on to release nine albums, with Shelley also releasing a further six solo albums between 1980 and 2016.
A tweet from the band reads: “It's with great sadness that we confirm the death of Pete Shelley, one of the UK's most influential and prolific songwriters,” while figures from across the music industry have also posted their condolences and tributes to Shelley, some of which you can find below...
Oh God but I loved Buzzcocks. And Pete Shelley was an amazing songwriter. "But after all life's only death's recompense." RIP ♥️♥️ pic.twitter.com/vAAg7Jui52
— Tracey Thorn (@tracey_thorn) 6 December 2018
Saw Pete Shelley with the Buzzcocks in August ‘76 supporting the Clash and the Pistols. First punk band I ever heard/saw and that night they helped to change my life. Pete was one of Britain’s best pure pop writers, up there with Ray Davies. To young to go. So very sad. pic.twitter.com/5HfzUvM5X4
— Gary Kemp (@garyjkemp) 6 December 2018
RIP Homosapien Pete Shelley - one of the loveliest spirits to emerge from the UK punk era. A true original with a wicked way with words and a big, big heart. pic.twitter.com/fsndGQPKXW
— Tom Robinson (@freshnet) 6 December 2018
Pete Shelley - a true gent!
— Peter Hook (@peterhook) 6 December 2018
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
Pete Shelley and Buzzcocks were a huge inspiration. What a songwriter! Thanks for everything you gave us. Certainly made me want to be in a band.
— alex kapranos (@alkapranos) 7 December 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) 6 December 2018
