Sad news last night as according to reports Pete Shelly singer of iconic punk rock band The Buzzcocks died suddenly after suffering a heart attack. He was 63. He was living in Estonia at the time of his death. As the frontman of one of the first wave UK punk bands in the 1970s, Shelley with his Buzzcocks mates innovated song-writing for punk, giving the embryonic genre many classic songs. Shelley went on to find success as a solo artist as well as activity with his main band. Pete’s music and legacy will live on in every punk band and every fan, for all time. Many people from across music and the arts commented publicly what Pete and his music meant to them. We send our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and many fans at this time.
Pete Shelley RIP
Playing shows with the @Buzzcocks was one of the highlights of my life. I listened to Singles and Tension as much as any records I’ve owned. Thank you, Pete, for all the great words and music. Condolences to Steve and the boys.
Hollow Inside,
JA pic.twitter.com/FKu23xzBTQ— Pearl Jam (@PearlJam) December 7, 2018
Pete Shelley RIP
Playing shows with the @Buzzcocks was one of the highlights of my life. I listened to Singles and Tension as much as any records I’ve owned. Thank you, Pete, for all the great words and music. Condolences to Steve and the boys.
Hollow Inside,
JA pic.twitter.com/FKu23xzBTQ— Pearl Jam (@PearlJam) December 7, 2018
So sad that we’ve lost Pete Shelley. He was brilliant and his music brought me joy from the moment I heard it. Rest in peace X https://t.co/TpJ37u1GAO
— stuart braithwaite (@plasmatron) December 7, 2018
RIP Pete Shelley pic.twitter.com/l634wdn1gH
— PIXIES (@PIXIES) December 7, 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
Rest In Peace Pete Shelley . As a lifelong @Buzzcocks fan…I so appreciate the musical influence Pete. Condolences to your family….
— Duff McKagan (@DuffMcKagan) December 6, 2018
Buzzcocks paved the way for the indie release with the self-publication of ‘Spiral Scratch’ in ‘77. They were amazing live. We at Rough Trade are very saddened by the passing of Pete Shelley, a prolific songwriter who inspired so many. RIP, you will be truly missed x pic.twitter.com/9SnEfvLUHn
— Rough Trade (@RoughTrade) December 6, 2018
Shocked to hear of the passing of our good mate Pete Shelley who’s fabulous songs are amongst the catchiest in all of punk rock. We will miss you Pete – love from @damnedtwits, X pic.twitter.com/VJeq4Nh5JR
— Captain Sensible (@CaptainSensible) December 6, 2018
It’s shit that Pete Shelley died.
— Irvine Welsh (@IrvineWelsh) December 6, 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) December 6, 2018
I wrote for Pete Shelley , Buzzcocks,Blue Boy, The 2 single ,1980, long time ago-Edwyn,
— Edwyn Collins (@EdwynCollins) December 6, 2018
we lost another dear brother #peteshelley love this man and his work, I sing w/him big time heading to gigs in the boat – so glad I got to tell him that pic.twitter.com/kaZMzaqgds
— mike watt (@wattfrompedro) December 7, 2018
Part of my youth dies with him. https://t.co/gKpkmScCvc RIP Pete Shelley https://t.co/TsB6QLk2JI
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) December 6, 2018
This compilation of Buzzcocks singles is one of my favourite albums. It's 48 minutes of pure punk bliss. You couldn't ask for a finer run of 45's. Please give it a spin right now and remember the huge talent in music that was singer and writer Pete Shelley. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/nxkyxxJZ9s
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) December 7, 2018