The Buzzcocks lead singer Pete Shelley has died at the age 63 of a suspected heart attack.

Shelley who has been living in Estonia, formed the iconic band along with Howard Devoto, which was best known for their hit, Ever Fallen in Love after seeing the Sex Pistols play at the Lesser Free Trade Hall in 1976.

Among the many tributes, the Charlatans Tim Burgess tweeted

“Pete Shelley wrote perfect three minute pop songs. The soundtrack to being a teenager. You’ll be missed Pete but you’ll be remembered for a long long time for your brilliant music”

while Peter Hook wrote:

“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”

A statement on the Bands website said:

“It’s with great sadness that we confirm the death of Pete Shelley, one of the UK’s most influential and prolific songwriters and co-founder of the seminal original punk band Buzzcocks. Pete’s music has inspired generations of musicians over a career that spanned five decades and with his band and as a solo artist, he was held in the highest regard by the music industry and by his fans around the world.”

Former Sex Pistol Glen Matlock wrote:

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.”

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