More about: FFF000c9c8cd3897f0Pete-Shelley

Musicians of all stripes have come out in mourning after yesterday’s loss of Buzzcocks lead singer Pete Shelley, who died following a heart attack at the age of 63.

“Like many I was a fan of the Buzzcocks,” wrote Corgan on Instagram.”But what I wanted to share here is more personal. The Pumpkins opened for The Buzzcocks in our early days; once in Chicago and once in Paris.

“And what I will always hold dear to my heart is how supportive, gracious, and encouraging Pete and his band were. Especially in those Gish dats when many didn’t understand our approach or the sound we were after.”

Unknown Mortal Orchestra credited the fallen punk with teaching them how to write songs in the first place: “Pete Shelley broke a great song down to pure elements. Personally, I first learned how to write songs by immitating buzzcocks songs and their imprint is still in the outlook of every song even to this day. Their catalogue is just banger after banger. Thanks Pete”

Greenday’s Billie Joe Armstrong was similarly effusive, and happily recalled bonding with bandmates over the icon’s biggest radio hit: “You truly are an inspiration to me, mike and Tre. We covered Ever Fallen In Love the best we could. Singles going steady was a huge record for me. 

“Buzzcocks pretty much invented a style that would influence multiple generations of lonesome hears and weirdos. Never shy about writing beautiful melodies into loud fast punk. You are the harmony in my head.”

Writer Neil Gaiman, husband of Dreden Doll Amanda Palmer, wrote simply: “Part of my youth dies with him.”

Peter Hook called him “a true gent!”

Here’s our pick of memorials from Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan, Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, Pearl Jam, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Neil Gaiman, R.E.M.’s Mike Mills, Belle and Sebastian’s Stuart Murdoch, New Order’s Peter Hook, the Cure’s Lol Tolhurst and more.

 

 

 

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Saddened to hear of the passing of Pete Shelley. Like many, I was a fan of the Buzzcocks, and Pete's one-of-a-kind voice. But what I want to share here is more personal. The Pumpkins opened for The Buzzcocks in our early days; once in Chicago and once in Paris. And what I will always hold dear to my heart is how supportive, gracious, and encouraging Pete and his band were. Especially in those Gish days when many didn't understand our approach or the sound we were after. It's that kind of encouragement that means so much to a young musician. And Pete gave it in spades. God speed to a true punk. -WPC

A post shared by WilliamPatrickCorgan (@williampcorgan) on Dec 6, 2018 at 5:41pm PST

Pete Shelley broke a great song down to pure elements. Personally, I first learned how to write songs by immitating buzzcocks songs and their imprint is still in the outlook of every song even to this day. Their catalogue is just banger after banger. Thanks Pete

— UMO (@UMO) December 7, 2018

 

 

 

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Pete Shelley RIP Playing shows with the 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, JA

A post shared by Pearl Jam (@pearljam) on Dec 6, 2018 at 7:38pm PST

Part of my youth dies with him. https://t.co/gKpkmScCvc RIP Pete Shelley https://t.co/TsB6QLk2JI

— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) December 6, 2018

I am totally shocked and saddened to just hear of the untimely death of Pete Shelley.
A superb songwriter, artist and a totally sweet hearted guy who was one of the very few originals of punk and even a one off within that.
My deepest condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/vqYRtYyf1C

— Glen Matlock (@GlenMatlock) December 6, 2018

 

 

 

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Rest In Peace Pete Shelley . You truly are an inspiration to me, mike and Tre. We covered Ever fallen in love the best we could. Singles going steady was a huge record for me. Buzzcocks pretty much invented a style that would influence multiple generations of lonesome hearts and weirdos. Never shy about writing beautiful melodies into loud fast punk. You are the harmony in my head - Billie Joe

A post shared by Billie Joe Armstrong (@billiejoearmstrong) on Dec 6, 2018 at 1:55pm PST

Pete Shelley - a true gent!

He helped us so much at the start of our career out of a sheer love for all things punk. Without Pete & the Buzzcocks I would probably still be working at the Docks. RIP mate. X

— Peter Hook (@peterhook) December 6, 2018

Saw Pete Shelley with the Buzzcocks in August ‘76 supporting the Clash and the Pistols. First punk band I ever heard/saw and that night they helped to change my life. Pete was one of Britain’s best pure pop writers, up there with Ray Davies. To young to go. So very sad. pic.twitter.com/5HfzUvM5X4

— Gary Kemp (@garyjkemp) December 6, 2018

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