Ray Mayhew dead: 80s legend dies as bandmate pays heartbreaking tribute

Drummer Ray Mayhew, who was part of the iconic punk pop group Sique Sique Sputnik has died. The news was confirmed by the band's vocallist Martin Degville on Facebook. "It is with great sadness that I have been informed today that my best friend and drummer of Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Ray Mayhew, has passed away. May God bless you - you will forever be in my thoughts, and also in the hearts of the fans who love you. You were a force, a light that shone so brightly. Rest in peace, mate. Love you always." The star died on August 28 but no further information or cause of death was given.

Fans were devastated by the news and flooded Martin's post with heartbreaking tributes to Ray. "So sorry to hear about Ray, I remember him coming to my local one lunchtime back in the 80s. On his own, and just came and hung out till closing.
A very nice person, a genuine person with a good nature. RIP," one wrote.

"This is very sad news. Me and Ray were good friends in the mid 80s.We hung out a lot and had a lot of great times hanging out at gigs and the clubs back in an exciting time in London pop culture," another added.

A third chimed in: "I've just literally found out. I'm so sorry for your loss. He was a brilliant drummer. I always wanted to meet him x."

A fourth shared: "So sorry. Sending love to all of you touched by the loss RIP Ray Mayhew xx."

"Oh my word!!! Such sad news. I'm so sorry. My sincere condolences xx," a fifth penned. Meanwhile a sixth person simply said: "Oh my God, that's heartbreaking."

Sigue Sigue Sputnik were formed in 1982 by former Generation X bassist Tony James and had three UK top-40 hit singles, including Love Missile F1-11 and 21st Century Boy.

the band underwent many line up chanes over the years as they reunited following their initial split in 1989 and Ray was the only member who featured throughout every line up. Ouside of the band he had his own group Mayhem Deranged.

Their first single, produced by Georgio Moroder, Love Missile F1-11, was released in February 1986, and reached number 3 in the UK Singles Chart, number 2 in South Africa and was a major hit in several countries in Europe and Asia.

Their debut studio album, Flaunt It, also produced by Moroder, made the top ten in the UK. Aclaimed producers Stock Aitken Waterman worked with the band on their single Success peaked at number 31 in late 1988.