The Charlatans and Primal Scream star Martin Duffy dies aged 55

Martin Duffy, best known for his work with indie legends The Charlatans and Primal Scream, has passed away at the age of 55. 

The talented musician played a key role with both bands, featuring on Primal Scream’s first two albums before joining The Charlatans in 1996 following the death of original keyboard player Rob Collins. 

Confirming Duffy’s passing in a social media post on Tuesday, The Charlatans lead singer Tim Burgess praised his ‘beautiful soul’ and credited the musician for his part in the band’s success. 

Tragic: Musician Martin Duffy, best known for his work with indie legends The Charlatans and Primal Scream, has passed away at the age of 55

He wrote: ‘Another tragic loss of a beautiful soul. Martin Duffy stepped in to save The Charlatans when we lost Rob – he played with us at Knebworth and was a true friend.

‘He toured with me in my solo band too – he was a pleasure to spend time with. Safe travels Duffy.’ 

The Birmingham born musician joined indie band Felt in 1985 when he was 16 years old after frontman Lawrence posted an advert in a Virgin records store in the city.

The notice – which called for a guitarist – read Do You Want To Be A Rock ‘N’ Roll Star?, and someone recommended Duffy.

Farewell: Confirming Duffy’s passing in a social media post on Tuesday, The Charlatans lead singer Tim Burgess praised his ‘beautiful soul’ and credited the musician for his part in the band’s success 

Legendary: Duffy’s career began with Primal Scream, with the musician featuring on the band’s first two albums (L-R Primal Scream stars Mani, Robert Young, Andrew Innes, Martin Duffy and Bobby Gillespie) 

He later joined Primal Scream, initially playing on the band’s first two albums – 1987’s Sonic Flower Groove and 1989’s self titled record – before becoming a full time member at the end of the year.

After Charlatans’ founding member Rob Collins died in a car accident, Duffy joined the group at the last minute when they supported Oasis at Knebworth, and he played on their 1997 LP Tellin’ Stories.

The musician’s family and Primal Scream are yet to comment on his death, but tributes have poured in from fans after Tim’s emotional post. 

Devastated: Tributes flooded in after Duffy’s death was announced, among them a post from former Oasis guitarist Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs

Old times: Duffy (front seated) with Primal Scream, vocalist Denise Johnson and soul legend George Clinton in 2001

One fan replied: ‘RIP Duffy, seen the Scream many a time and he was a legend. Lots of love to all his family, band mates and to you Tim.’ 

Another admirer added: ‘What a musician he was; and by all accounts a lovely soul too. So sorry for your loss.’

‘He lived on my street in the 90s and drank in my local boozer I sometimes used to shoot pool with Martin, genuinely a nice dude, very sad news,’ one devastated fan tweeted.

While another shared: ‘Oh no, I’m so sorry for your loss Tim, and for all his loved ones.’ 

Elsewhere a fan commented: ‘Also of Primal Scream (another band I absolutely love).. so saddening another musically gifted artist has passed. Thoughts with his family.’  

Others were saddened by such a tragic loss so soon after the death of The Specials frontman Terry Hall.

A fan tweeted: ‘Oh no – more terrible news. A tremendous talent.’