Martin Duffy, best known for his work with indie legends The Charlatans and Primal Scream, has passed away at the age of 55.
The talented musician played a key role with both bands, featuring on Primal Scream’s first two albums before joining The Charlatans in 1996 following the death of original keyboard player Rob Collins.
Confirming Duffy’s passing in a social media post on Tuesday, The Charlatans lead singer Tim Burgess praised his ‘beautiful soul’ and credited the musician for his part in the band’s success.
Tragic: Musician Martin Duffy, best known for his work with indie legends The Charlatans and Primal Scream, has passed away at the age of 55
He wrote: ‘Another tragic loss of a beautiful soul. Martin Duffy stepped in to save The Charlatans when we lost Rob – he played with us at Knebworth and was a true friend.
‘He toured with me in my solo band too – he was a pleasure to spend time with. Safe travels Duffy.’
The Birmingham born musician joined indie band Felt in 1985 when he was 16 years old after frontman Lawrence posted an advert in a Virgin records store in the city.
The notice – which called for a guitarist – read Do You Want To Be A Rock ‘N’ Roll Star?, and someone recommended Duffy.
Farewell: Confirming Duffy’s passing in a social media post on Tuesday, The Charlatans lead singer Tim Burgess praised his ‘beautiful soul’ and credited the musician for his part in the band’s success
Legendary: Duffy’s career began with Primal Scream, with the musician featuring on the band’s first two albums (L-R Primal Scream stars Mani, Robert Young, Andrew Innes, Martin Duffy and Bobby Gillespie)
He later joined Primal Scream, initially playing on the band’s first two albums – 1987’s Sonic Flower Groove and 1989’s self titled record – before becoming a full time member at the end of the year.
After Charlatans’ founding member Rob Collins died in a car accident, Duffy joined the group at the last minute when they supported Oasis at Knebworth, and he played on their 1997 LP Tellin’ Stories.
The musician’s family and Primal Scream are yet to comment on his death, but tributes have poured in from fans after Tim’s emotional post.
Success: (L-R) Primal Scream stars Andrew Innes, Bobby Gillespie and Martin Duffy attend an album signing at London’s Oxford Street HMV store in October 2018
Devastated: Tributes flooded in after Duffy’s death was announced, among them a post from former Oasis guitarist Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs
Old times: Duffy (front seated) with Primal Scream, vocalist Denise Johnson and soul legend George Clinton in 2001
One fan replied: ‘RIP Duffy, seen the Scream many a time and he was a legend. Lots of love to all his family, band mates and to you Tim.’
Another admirer added: ‘What a musician he was; and by all accounts a lovely soul too. So sorry for your loss.’
‘He lived on my street in the 90s and drank in my local boozer I sometimes used to shoot pool with Martin, genuinely a nice dude, very sad news,’ one devastated fan tweeted.
Talented: Duffy plays guitar in an undated social media post. His death was confirmed on Tuesday morning
While another shared: ‘Oh no, I’m so sorry for your loss Tim, and for all his loved ones.’
Elsewhere a fan commented: ‘Also of Primal Scream (another band I absolutely love).. so saddening another musically gifted artist has passed. Thoughts with his family.’
Others were saddened by such a tragic loss so soon after the death of The Specials frontman Terry Hall, aged 63.
A fan tweeted: ‘Oh no – more terrible news. A tremendous talent.’
Heartbroken: The Charlatans singer Tim Burgess, pictured here in 2015, was the first to pay tribute to Duffy
Shocked: The tributes continued to pour in from fans of the musician on Tuesday morning
Ska pioneers The Specials announced late on Monday that Hall had died after a brief illness, calling him ‘our beautiful friend, brother and one of the most brilliant singers, songwriters and lyricists this country has ever produced.’
Hall´s bandmates said he was ‘a wonderful husband and father and one of the kindest, funniest, and most genuine of souls. His music and his performances encapsulated the very essence of life… the joy, the pain, the humour, the fight for justice, but mostly the love.
‘He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him and leaves behind the gift of his remarkable music and profound humanity. Terry often left the stage at the end of The Specials´ life-affirming shows with three words… Love Love Love.’
Sad day: Duffy’s passing follows the tragic death of Terry Hall; The Specials singer died aged 63 on Monday
Messages of condolence: People from across the music world paid tribute to Hall as news of his passing was revealed
Important: The Specials made a name with their ska and rocksteady style, and for providing a musical backdrop to economic recession, urban decay and societal fracture in the early 1980s