Music world pays tribute to Pete Shelley

(Image credit: David Corio/Redferns - Getty)

Artists from across the music world have been paying tribute to Pete Shelley, after the Buzzcocks’ frontman, guitarist and songwriter died yesterday at the age of 63 (opens in new tab).

The news was confirmed last night on Buzzcocks’ Facebook page, with initial reports suggesting he died at home in Estonia of a suspected heart attack. 

Artists including Captain Sensible and Glen Matlock paid tribute to Shelley late last night – and their messages have now been joined by others as the news begins to spread around the world.

Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament said: “Pete Shelley RIP. Playing shows with 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.”

Ginger Wildheart adds: “So sad to hear about Pete Shelley. He was a massive influence of mine. The Buzzcocks taught me so much about songwriting, especially in chord structures. RIP.”

Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan said: “Rest in peace, Pete Shelley. As a lifelong Buzzcocks fan, I so appreciate the musical influence, Pete. Condolences to your family.”

See some of the many tributes below.

Anti-music and pro fun: Pete Shelley, the punk who changed the music business (opens in new tab).

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Scott Munro
Louder e-commerce editor

Scott has spent more than 30 years in newspapers and magazines as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. After initially joining our news desk in the summer of 2014, he moved to the e-commerce team full-time in 2020. He maintains Louder’s buyer’s guides, scouts out the best deals for music fans and reviews headphones, speakers, books and more. He's written more than 11,000 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog and has previous written for publications including IGN, the Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald covering everything from daily news and weekly features, to video games, travel and whisky. Scott grew up listening to rock and prog, cutting his teeth on bands such as Marillion and Magnum before his focus shifted to alternative and post-punk in the late 80s. His favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Ned's Atomic Dustbin and Drab Majesty, but he also still has a deep love of Rush.