Britpop band Pulp bassist Steve Mackey died Thursday at the age of 56. This was announced by his wife Katie Grand and the band Pulp on Instagram.

"After three months in the hospital struggling with all his strength and determination, we are shocked and devastated to have to say goodbye to my brilliant, beautiful husband," Grand wrote. Mackey is the most talented man she has known, "an extraordinary musician, producer, photographer and filmmaker". The cause of death was not disclosed. Pulp was one of the most important representatives of Britpop in the 90s and is known for hits like "Common People" and "Disco 2000".

Born in Sheffield in 1966, the musician joined Pulp in 1989. He has appeared on many of the band's studio albums, including 1994's 'His 'n' Hers', which popularized the band with frontman Jarvis Cocker in the UK. After a nine-year break, the band was active again from 2011 to 2013.

Last year, Cocker confirmed the group's reunion and said they would play "some concerts" in 2023, the PA news agency reported. Mackey, however, didn't want to be there anymore, saying he wanted to focus on his music, film and photography projects. He had also worked with many other artists, including the band Florence The Machine and Canadian rock band Arcade Fire.

Mackey also photographed and directed campaign images. In 2005 he appeared in the film "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" as the bassist for the band The Weird Sisters. Mackey leaves behind a grown son in addition to his wife.

Guardian Pulp on Instagram BBC