Steve Mackey’s showbiz friends paid tribute after he passed away on Thursday morning at the age of 56.
The Pulp bassist has tragically passed away after secretly “fighting with all his strength and determination” in hospital for the past three months.
Kate Moss, 49, Patsy Kensit, 54, and Jude Law Sadie Frost’s son Rafferty, 26, have said they are “devastated” by Steve’s sudden death.
Steve’s friendship with the Primrose Hill set stretches back decades, with Rafferty’s best friends including the late guitarist’s son Marley, also 26.
Kate took to her modeling agency’s Instagram page and re-shared a black and white photo of the Pulp star, writing, “Steve. Gone way too soon, rest in peace. Sending our love to Katie, Marley and family’.
Thoughtful: Steve’s wife Katie was touched by their friend Patsy Kensit’s touching tribute
Kate’s daughter Lila, 20, also wrote to Steve’s wife Katie Grand: “A brilliant man, sending all my love to you and Marley.”
Patsy, meanwhile, posted a throwback photo of Steve with his arms wrapped around Katie, who is her best friend.
She wrote, “Such a wonderful man. Devastated. I love you both so much,” to which Katie replies with a love heart emoji.
The actress added when a fan asked who the photo belonged to: “one of my best friends Katie Grand’s brilliantly beautiful husband Steve Mackey… we are all devastated.”
Rafferty said, “I love you Steve. Thank you for being the best father to my best friend and always being an inspiration and friend to me throughout my life.”
Fashion designer Marc Jacobs remembered Steve as a “beautiful and brilliant man.”
He wrote: I am fortunate to have met and worked with him. To Katie and Steve’s family, my deepest. sincere condolences and love. Rest in peace.
Pearl Lowe added, “Sending you all so much love and strength!”
Beloved: Kate Moss took to her modeling agency’s Instagram page and again shared a black and white photo of the Pulp star, writing, “Steve. Gone too soon, rest in peace’
Tragic loss: Kate Moss, 49, Patsy Kensit, 54, and Jude Law Sadie Frost’s son Rafferty, 26, have said they are ‘devastated’ by Steve’s sudden death
Friendship: Kate pictured with Steve’s son Marley, Rafferty Law and his then-girlfriend Ella Dallaglio seven years ago
Friends: Steve’s friendship with the Primrose Hill set stretches back decades, with Rafferty (pictured above right) best friends with the son of the late guitarist Marley (next to Rafferty on right), also 26,
Upset: Patsy said he was devastated by the death of Steve, the husband of her best friend Katie Grand (pictured center) in 2016 with Poppy Delevingne (right)
1990s supermodel Helena Christensen typed, “I am so sorry for your immense loss by sending love and endless hugs.”
Steve’s death came as a shock to fans, five months after Steve revealed he would not be participating in Pulp’s reunion.
No cause of death has been disclosed.
In an emotional tribute, Katie said she is “shocked and devastated” by Steve’s death, as the band paid tribute to “their beloved friend.”
She wrote on Instagram: ‘After three months in hospital, fighting with all his strength and determination, we are shocked and devastated to say goodbye to my brilliant, beautiful husband, Steve Mackey.
“Steve passed away today, a loss that has left me, his son Marley, parents Kath and Paul, sister Michelle and many friends heartbroken.
“Steve was the most talented man I have ever known, an exceptional musician, producer, photographer and filmmaker. As in life, he was adored by all whose paths he crossed in the many creative disciplines he conquered.
‘I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the NHS staff who have worked tirelessly for Steve. He will be missed beyond words.
“The family has requested privacy at this time.”
Heartbroken: Pulp rock band founded in Sheffield in 1978 – Mark Webber, Nick Banks, Jarvis Cocker, Steve Mackey, Candida Doyle LR 1998
‘He will be missed beyond words’: In an emotional tribute, Katie said she is ‘shocked and devastated’ by Steve’s death (pictured last March)
Emotional: ‘I want to express my sincere gratitude to all the NHS staff who have worked tirelessly for Steve. He will be missed beyond words,” Katie wrote during her tribute
Steve married his longtime girlfriend Katie in 2009 and had son Marley in 1996.
Rock band Pulp, formed in Sheffield in 1978, shared a photo of Steve touring South America in 2012, writing: ‘Our beloved friend and bassist Steve Mackey passed away this morning. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
This photo of Steve dates back to when Pulp was on tour in South America in 2012. We had a day off and Steve suggested we go climbing in the Andes. So we did.
“It was an utterly magical experience. Much more magical than staring at the hotel room wall all day (which we probably would have done otherwise).’
They continued, “Steve made things happen. In his life & in the band. & We’d love to think he’s back in those mountains now, on the next stage of his adventure.
‘Safe journey, Steve. We hope to catch up with you one day. All our love.’
In October, the bassist said he wouldn’t be participating in this year’s Pulp reunion tour, but didn’t share that he was secretly battling with his health.
The band – Jarvis Cocker, Candida Doyle, Nick Banks and Mark Webber – planned to reform for a second time to play some dates in the UK and Ireland.
The tour, which kicks off on May 26, plays Bridlington Spa and includes two festival appearances, at Glasgow’s TRNSMT (July 7) and Latitude (July 21).
In a post shared on Instagram, Steve explained that he would not be participating.
He said: ‘I’ve decided to continue with the work I’m doing – music, film and photography projects – and will not join them in these UK shows that have just been announced.
‘I wish Candy, Nick, Mark and Jarvis all the best with upcoming gigs in the UK and also a huge thank you to Pulp’s amazing fan base, many of whom have been sending me lovely messages today.’
Steve is best known as the bass guitarist for the alternative rock band Pulp, which he joined in 1989.
As a record producer, he produced songs and albums by MIA, Florence + the Machine, The Long Blondes and Arcade Fire.
Steve continued to write, record and tour with the band as they achieved success in the 1990s.
Subsequent albums recorded include Intro – The Gift Recordings, His ‘n’ Hers, Different Class, This Is Hardcore and We Love Life.
They had a string of hits including Common People and Sorted for E’s & Wizz.
After an eight year hiatus, Steve returned to Pulp in 2010 and their subsequent world tours in 2011 and 2012. He also had a cameo in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire as fictional band The Weird Sisters.
In more recent times, he shifted his focus to photography and shared his work on Instagram.
Icon: Steve is best known as bass guitarist of the alternative rock band Pulp, which he joined in 1989 (photo 2011)
