Legendary punk performer Pete Shelley, co-founder of British punk band Buzzcocks, passed away today at his home in Estonia. Shelley died of a suspected heart attack. He was 63.
Shelley’s brother, Gary John McNeish, confirmed the news via Facebook, writing, “This is the hardest thing I have ever had to do, is tell you my brother Pete Shelley had a heart attack this morning and passed away.”
The band also confirmed the news on Twitter, writing: "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.
"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. A more detailed statement will follow."
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.
A more detailed statement will follow.
— Buzzcocks (@Buzzcocks) December 6, 2018
Shelley originally formed the Buzzcocks with former lead singer Howard Devoto in 1975 and would go on to release their first EP, Spiral Scratch, in 1977. They released what is arguably their most recognizable single, "Ever Fallen In Love… (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve)" in 1978.
The band released nine studio albums over the course of their career, with 2014's The Way being the most recent.
