Steve Mackey’s showbiz friends have paid tribute following his death at age 56 on Thursday morning.
The Pulp bassist tragically passed away after spending the last three months in secret “fighting with all his might and determination” in the hospital.
Kate Moss, 49, Patsy Kensit, 54, and Jude Law’s son Sadie Frost, Rafferty, 26, have said they are “devastated” by Steve’s sudden death.
Steve’s friendship with the Primrose Hill set stretches back decades, with Rafferty being best friends with the late guitarist’s son, Marley, also 26.
Taking to her modeling agency’s Instagram page, Kate shared a black and white photo of the Pulp star, writing: ‘Steve. Gone too soon, rest in peace. Sending our love to Katie, Marley and family’.
Thoughtful: Steve’s wife Katie was moved by her friend Patsy Kensit’s touching tribute
Kate’s daughter Lila, 20, also wrote to Steve’s wife Katie Grand: “A brilliant man, sending all my love to you and Marley.”
Patsy, meanwhile, posted a photo from the past of Steve with his arms around Katie, who is his best friend.
She wrote: ‘What a great man. Devastated. I love you both so much,’ and Katie responded with a love heart emoji.
The actress added when a fan asked who the photo was of: “The brilliant, beautiful husband of one of my closest friends, Katie Grand, Steve Mackey…we are all devastated.”
Rafferty said: ‘I love you Steve. Thank you for being the best father to my best friend and always an inspiration and friend to me throughout my life.’
Fashion designer Marc Jacobs remembered Steve as a “beautiful, brilliant man.”
He wrote: I am lucky to have known and worked with him. To the family of Katie and Steve my sincerest. condolences and love. Rest in peace.
Added Pearl Lowe: “Sending so much love and strength to all of you!”
Well loved: Taking to her modeling agency’s Instagram page, Kate Moss shared a black-and-white photo of the Pulp star, writing: ‘Steve. He left too soon, rest in peace’
Tragic loss: Kate Moss, 49, Patsy Kensit, 54, and Jude Law’s son Sadie Frost, Rafferty, 26, have said they are “devastated” by Steve’s sudden death.
Friendship: Kate pictured with Steve’s son Marley, Rafferty Law and his then-girlfriend Ella Dallaglio seven years ago.
Pals: Steve’s friendship with the Primrose Hill set stretches back decades, with Rafferty (pictured above right) as best friends with the late guitarist’s son, Marley (next to Rafferty on the right), also 26 years old.
Upset: Patsy said he was devastated by the death of Steve, who is the husband of her best friend Katie Grand (center of photo) in 2016 with Poppy Delevingne (right)
Nineties supermodel Helena Christensen wrote: I’m so sorry for your immense loss, sending you endless hugs and love.
Steve’s death has come as a shock to fans, coming five months after Steve revealed he would not be participating in the Pulp reunion.
No cause of death has been announced.
In an emotional tribute, Katie said she is “shocked and devastated” by Steve’s death, while the band paid tribute to “his loving friend.”
She wrote on Instagram: “After three months in hospital, fighting with all her strength and determination, we are shocked and devastated to have said goodbye to my brilliant and beautiful husband, Steve Mackey.
“Steve passed away today, a loss that has left me, his son Marley, parents Kath and Paul, sister Michelle and many friends heartbroken.
“Steve was the most talented man I have ever met, an outstanding musician, producer, photographer and filmmaker. As in life, he was adored by all whose paths he crossed in the many creative disciplines he conquered.
‘I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the NHS staff who worked tirelessly for Steve. He will be missed beyond words.
“The family has requested privacy at this time.”
Heartbroken: Pulp rock band formed in Sheffield in 1978 – Mark Webber, Nick Banks, Jarvis Cocker, Steve Mackey, Candida Doyle LR 1998
‘He will be missed beyond words’: In an emotional tribute, Katie said she is ‘shocked and devastated’ by Steve’s death (pictured March last year)
Emotional: ‘I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the NHS staff who worked tirelessly for Steve. He will be missed beyond words,’ Katie wrote as she paid tribute.
Steve married his longtime girlfriend Katie in 2009 and welcomed son Marley in 1996.
Rock band Pulp, who formed in Sheffield in 1978, shared a photo of Steve touring South America in 2012, writing: “Our dear friend and bass player Steve Mackey passed away this morning. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
“This photo of Steve is from when Pulp was touring South America in 2012. We had a day off and Steve suggested we go climbing in the Andes. So we did.
‘It was a completely magical experience. Much more magical than staring at your hotel room wall all day (which is probably what we would have done otherwise).’
They continued: ‘Steve made things happen. In his life and in the band. & We would very much like to think that he is now back in those mountains, in the next stage of his adventure.
Have a good trip, Steve. We hope to catch up with you one day. All our love.’
In October, the bassist said he wouldn’t be joining Pulp’s reunion tour this year, but didn’t share that he was secretly struggling with his health.
The band – Jarvis Cocker, Candida Doyle, Nick Banks and Mark Webber – had planned to reform for a second time to play various dates in the UK and Ireland.
The tour which kicks off on May 26 kicks off at Bridlington Spa and includes two festival appearances, at Glasgow’s TRNSMT (July 7) and Latitude (July 21).
In a post shared on Instagram, Steve explained that he would not be joining them.
He said: ‘I have decided to continue the work I am involved in – music, film and photography projects – and will not be joining them for these UK shows we have just announced.
“I wish Candy, Nick, Mark and Jarvis all the best with their upcoming UK performances and also a huge thank you to the amazing Pulp fan base, many of whom have sent me lovely messages today.”
Steve is best known as the bassist for the alternative rock band Pulp, which he joined in 1989.
As a record producer, he has produced songs and albums by MIA, Florence + the Machine, The Long Blondes, and Arcade Fire.
Steve continued to write, record, and tour with the band as they found success in the 1990s.
Subsequent albums recorded included Intro – The Gift Recordings, His ‘n’ Hers, Different Class, This Is Hardcore and We Love Life.
They had a string of hits, including Common People and Sorted for E’s & Wizz.
After an eight-year hiatus, Steve returned to Pulp in 2010 and its subsequent world tours in 2011 and 2012. He also had a cameo in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire as the fictional band The Weird Sisters.
In more recent times, he has shifted his focus to photography and shared his work on Instagram.
Icon: Steve is best known as the bassist for the alternative rock band Pulp, which he joined in 1989 (pictured in 2011)