Ray Mayhew, a member of the Sique Sique Sputnik new wave group, has passed away.
The group’s singer, Martin Degville, described him as a “force of light that shone so brightly.”
Martin addressed fans on Facebook, “It is with great sadness that I have been informed today that Ray Mayhew, my best friend and drummer of Sigue Sigue Sputnik, has passed away. May God bless you; you will always be in my thoughts and the fans’ hearts forever. You were a force and a brilliant light. Please rest in peace, mate. I always cherish you.
No further details or causes of death were provided regarding the star’s death on August 28.
Former Generation X bassist Tony James founded the 1982 group Sigue Sigue Sputnik, which went on to release three Top 40 hits, including Love Missile F1-11 and 21st Century Boy.
Their music and striking style were inspired by dystopian cult classics like Blade Runner and Mad Max as well as electronic and glam band The New York Dolls.
Mick Jones, a former member of the Clash, helped the band develop their sound before they opened for New Model Army on tour with them when they were first recording live.
Fachtna O’Kelly, the band’s manager, also assisted with the band’s launch, giving them both their name and equipment. Suggested as a reference to a Russian street gang, Sigue Sigue Sputnik.
The band then collaborated on the 1988 single Success with renowned 80s producers Stock Aitken Waterman. The band’s music production and songwriting skills made a name for themselves in the 1980s and produced hits like Kylie Minogue, Bananarama, and Dead or Alive.
Ray left the band in 1989, while the group reunited in the 1990s, and the song became a hit in Japan.
Source: Mirror
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