Music world pays heartfelt tribute after Buzzcocks frontman Shelley dies at 63

TRIBUTES have been paid to Buzzcocks star Pete Shelley, who has died aged 63.

Shelley reportedly died following a heart attack at his home in Estonia.

Buzzcocks were best known for their 1978 hit Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve).

Norman Blake, frontman of Teenage Fanclub, paid tribute to the enduring musical legacy of Shelley, saying: “I love(d) Buzzcocks. (Shelley’s) songs were important to me when I was a young man and they still are to me now. Thank you Pete and R.I.P. You will be missed.”

Tim Burgess, lead singer of The Charlatans, 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.”

Tracey Thorn, formerly one half of Everything But The Girl, also paid her respects, quoting from Buzzcocks track 16 Again.

Passed away: Pete Shelley

She tweeted: “Oh God but I loved Buzzcocks. And Pete Shelley was an amazing songwriter. ‘But after all life’s only death’s recompense.’”

Author Neil Gaiman said that part of his youth had died along with Shelley.

In a statement, the Bolton group’s management confirmed Shelley’s death, hailing him as “one of the UK’s most influential and prolific songwriters”.

It added: “Pete’s music has inspired generations of musicians over a career that spanned five decades.”