Massive Attack guitarist Angelo Bruschini has died after a battle with lung cancer, the band confirmed on Tuesday.
The tape played: RIP Angelo. An extremely brilliant and eccentric talent. It’s impossible to quantify your contribution to the Massive Attack canon.
‘How lucky we were to share such a life together.’
Bristol-born Angelo joined the group in the 1990s.
In July, Bruschini wrote in a social media post that he was suffering from lung cancer and that several specialists had wished him “good luck.”
Massive Attack star dead: Guitarist Angelo Bruschini has died after a battle with lung cancer, the band announced on Tuesday (pictured June 2014)
Sad loss: Massive Attack shared a tribute to him on social media on Tuesday
Partner: Angelo’s wife Jessica shared a sweet tribute to her love on social media on Tuesday with some photos of him
He wrote: ‘I’ve been told ‘Good luck’ twice now by specialists in hospital for lung cancer, I think I’m damned!’
“I’ve had a great life, seen the world many times, met a lot of great people, but the door is closing, I think I’m going to write a book.”
Angelo is survived by his wife Jessica Merritt.
She took to Facebook on Tuesday to announce his sad passing – which happened the day before – and shared some photos of him taken over the past ten months.
Angelo joined Massive Attack in the 90s and played with them in the studio and at live shows – appearing on the hit song Angel.
Angelo produced Strangelove’s eponymous album in 1997. He also played for a number of other bands, including The Numbers and Rimshots and The Blue Airplanes.
He also played guitar for Jane Taylor’s hit single Blowing This Candle Out.
The Blue Airplanes wrote: “We are devastated to announce the passing of our brother Angelo Bruschini.
Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. Rest in peace Ange x.’
Tributes poured in for the iconic musician from fans who wrote: ‘RIP Legend Angelo Bruschini. Mass attack very important in my life for many reasons.’
Discover the signs: Symptoms of lung cancer are often not noticeable until the cancer has spread through the lungs to other parts of the body
Tributes poured in for the iconic musician from fans who wrote: ‘RIP Legend Angelo Bruschini. Mass attack very important in my life, many reasons’
‘What a talented and great guitarist. rip Angelo 🙁 #angelobruschini #massiveattack #sadness.’
“I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Our condolences to the loved ones of Angelo Bruschini.”
Iconic group Robert Del Naja, Horace Andy and Angelo Bruschini of Massive Attack performed on stage in 2014