Pete Shelley, the lead singer of English punk rock band Buzzcocks, has died aged 63..
The news was confirmed on Thursday (December 6) on the band's official Twitter page.
They tweeted: "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."
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.
— Buzzcocks (@Buzzcocks) December 6, 2018
A second tweet added: "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."
The BBC reports that Shelley died of a suspected heart attack.
The band's management said he died on Thursday in Estonia where he was living.
The band are best known for their classic track Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've).
Pete Shelley formed Buzzcocks with Howard Devoto in the mid-1970s.
They made their live debut in 1976, opening for the Sex Pistols in Manchester.
The band released their debut Spiral Scratch EP the next year and Devoto left the group shortly afterwards.
Buzzcocks released three albums, Another Music in a Different Kitchen (1978), Love Bites (1978) and A Different Kind of Tension (1979) before their initial break-up in 1981.
Shelley released numerous solo albums before the band got back together in 1989.
Buzzcocks most recently released music in 2014 with their ninth studio record The Way.
Tributes for the musician have been pouring in on Twitter.
We've lost one of the great romantics.
— Benjamin Myers (@BenMyers1) December 6, 2018
My favourite ever songwriter, and a very nice human being.
RIP #PeteShelley. pic.twitter.com/mhrgHYWE8o
Part of my youth dies with him. https://t.co/gKpkmScCvc RIP Pete Shelley https://t.co/TsB6QLk2JI
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) 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
Saddened to hear of the passing of a true punk original Pete Shelley. RIP Pete pic.twitter.com/vpFRtMwU2F
— The Stranglers Site (@StranglersSite) December 6, 2018
RIP #PeteShelley of The Buzzcocks who wrote one of my favourite tunes. https://t.co/Cv8q69j7Vf
— Ken Sweeney (@KenSweeney) December 6, 2018
Devastating news that Pete Shelley has passed away,absolute punk icon, gutted to the core here ,RIP Pete,gone but never forgotten ,you're music will live on forever😎✌. pic.twitter.com/erydQozCp1
— INFLAMMABLE MATERIAL (@gash1965) December 6, 2018
Punk was only meant to last for a shock-treatment 15 minutes, but this man’s songs - urgent, hook-filled & humane - were the equal of the 60s best & never, ever gathered dust. RIP Pete Shelley, one of the very best. pic.twitter.com/Gh7HyNKhOn
— Mark Paytress (@Paytress) December 6, 2018
I am beyond heartbroken. Buzzcocks have meant so much to me since I was a nerdy misfit teen punk in the ‘80s. And their music aged so well, more nuanced and relevant than almost all their peers. Pete Shelley will remain one of the greatest songwriters of all time. RIP. 💔💔💔 https://t.co/7N4FBjjx0b
— Jason Heller 🌹 (@jason_m_heller) December 6, 2018
Pete Shelley, iconic punk singer/ songwriter, what a sad shock 💙 https://t.co/YIsvicYM3e
— Wendy Smith (@wendyfinnandmax) December 6, 2018
Really sad to hear of the death of Pete Shelley. A true great of the punk era. Love The Buzzcocks. RIP pic.twitter.com/5jQdLd3wLH
— Matthew Byrne (@Matthew12101969) December 6, 2018
I am totally shocked and saddened to just hear of the untimely death of Pete Shelley.
— Glen Matlock (@GlenMatlock) December 6, 2018
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
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) December 6, 2018
