Martin Duffy, the 55-year-old keyboardist for Primal Scream and The Charlatans, has passed away.
Before joining Primal Scream for their 1991 album Screamadelica, Duffy was a member of the 1980s cult indie group Felt.
In 1996, he began performing with The Charlatans. Tim Burgess, their lead vocalist, described his death as “another awful loss of a great spirit.”
Bobby Gillespie, the leader of Primal Scream, referred to Duffy as a “soul brother” and a “really rare individual.”
The individual with the most musical talent.
He added: “On a profoundly spiritual level, he appreciated and comprehended music. Music was his entire world…
Martin was the most talented musician among us all. His style incorporated parts of country, blues, and soul, for which he possessed a God-given sensitivity.”
The vocalist continued: “Martin also has a distinctive humor. He possessed a keen perception of the ludicrous, weird, and stupid.
“He lived for laughter and music. We all cherished him in the Scream. A wonderful soul. We will miss him.”
Simone Marie Butler, the bassist for the band, added: “No words x I already miss you, Duff. This is the most tragic day, and I’m crying as I write this. So cherished x”
Duffy, who was born in Birmingham, performed on every Primal Scream album and also contributed to Oasis, Chemical Brothers, and Beth Orton’s tracks.
At the age of 16, he joined Felt after responding to an advertisement put by the band’s leader Lawrence that stated, “Do You Want To Be A Rock ‘n’ Roll Star?”
After their keyboardist Rob Collins died in a vehicle accident, he joined The Charlatans three weeks before they were scheduled to perform at Oasis’ historic Knebworth concerts.
“When we lost Rob, Martin Duffy stepped in to save The Charlatans,” Burgess wrote.
“At Knebworth, he played with us and was a true buddy. He also toured with me with my solo band; he was an enjoyable companion. Travel safely, Duffy.”
“Our brightest star”
2014 also saw the debut of a solo album by Duffy on Burgess’ record company.
Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals was among those paying tribute. He tweeted, “Martin Duffy’s music has been a part of my life since the 1980s – offering my condolences to Primal Scream and all his friends and family on this very sad day – going to play some of his instrumental albums.”
According to a family statement issued to Twitter by Duffy’s brother Steve, “Everyone who knew Martin adored him; he was the real deal, our bright star.”
Martin sustained brain damage following a fall and passed away quietly surrounded by family, including his cherished son Louie, according to the witnesses.
His mother, brothers, extended family, and close friends all cherished him.
The statement continued: “He was talented in music, but even more so with people. Proud of your accomplishments and who you are, Martin. We stand by you, brother xx”
