Entertainment
Bronski Beat co-founder Steve Bronski dies aged 61
His bandmate announced the news (Pictures: Getty / Rex)
Steve Bronski, co-founder and and keyboardist of Bronski Beat, has died at the age of 61.
The star formed the band along with Jimmy Somerville and fellow musician Larry Steinbachek, who died in 2017.
Somerville confirmed the news on the band’s official Facebook page, writing: ‘Sad to hear Steve Bronski has died.
‘He was a talented and a very melodic man. Working with him on songs and the one song that changed our lives and touched so many other lives, was a fun and exciting time. Thanks for the melody Steve. Jimmy x.’
The 80s musicians landed top 10 hits with the likes of Smalltown Boy, Why? and a cover of Donna Summer’s I Feel Love.
Bronski Beat were known for their political songs, which often referenced LGBT issues, with all three of the band members being openly gay.
The trio formed Bronski Beat in 1983 (Picture: Redferns)
The band formed in 1983, with the trio sharing a flat in Brixton, London.
They secured a record deal in 1984 after just nine live gigs, and landed the number three spot on the UK chart with their debut single, Smalltown Boy.
Their follow-up single, Why? also reached the top 10, before they released their album The Age of Consent in late 1984.
Bronski Beat saw various changes over the years, with Somerville leaving in 1985 and being replaced by John Foster. Foster left in 1987, with Jonathan Hellyer becoming the lead singer.
While they disbanded in 1995 after various changes to the line-up, Bronski revived the group in 2016.
During the years in between, Bronski worked as a producer for various artists.
Steinbachek died in 2017 at the age of 56 following a short battle with cancer.
More: LGBT
Tributes have poured in for Bronski, with one fan writing on Twitter: ‘Just heard that Steve Bronski has passed away. Very sad news. Thinking of fellow fans, friends and family. Bronski Beat were a fabulous band whose legacy will last.’
Another said: ‘Sorry to hear of the passing of Steve ‘Bronski’ Forrest a founding member of #BronskiBeat. For the Smalltown Boy in all of us, you will be missed.’
One more added: ‘Steve Bronski dead at 61 , what a great band Bronski Beat were in the 80’s. Age of Consent was a banger of an album.’
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