Steve Bronski, who co-founded 1980s synthpop group Bronski Beat, has died at the age of 61, according to his former bandmate, Jimmy Somerville.
The keyboardist formed the band with Somerville and Larry Steinbachek in 1983 and they went on to release hits including Smalltown Boy and Why?
Somerville shared a tribute on Twitter, writing: "Sad to hear Steve Bronski has died. He was a talented and a very melodic man.
"Working with him on songs and the one song that changed our lives and touched so many other lives, was a fun and exciting time. Thanks for the melody Steve."
Sad to hear Steve Bronski has died. He was a talented and a very melodic man. Working with him on songs and the one song that changed our lives and touched so many other lives, was a fun and exciting time. Thanks for the melody Steve. Jimmy x pic.twitter.com/VfxbtZu1Nx
— Jimmy Somerville (@JimmySomerville) December 9, 2021
The trio were known for campaigning on gay rights issues and their debut album, The Age Of Consent, featured the consent age for males in various countries around the world on its inner sleeve as a protest.
Following the release of the record, Somerville left to form pop group The Communards with Reverend Richard Coles.
He was replaced by John Foster and later Jonathan Hellyer.
Steinbachek died from cancer at the age of 56 in late 2016.
Source: Press Association
