News

Primal Scream keyboardist Martin Duffy dies aged 55

Duffy also was a member of The Charlatans and keyboardist for Felt

Words: Becky Buckle | Photo: Dena Flows

Dec 20, 2022, 11:16:AM

Longtime Primal Scream keyboardist Martin Duffy has died aged 55.

The news was announced by his fellow band member of The Charlatans, Tim Burgess who Tweeted: “Another tragic loss of a beautiful soul.”

Raised in Birmingham, Duffy joined the band Felt aged 16 before signing with Creation Records. The second side of Felt’s 1988 album ‘The Pictorial Jackson Review’ includes two instrumentals from Duffy.

After this, he worked on Primal Scream’s first albums, ‘Sonic Flower Groove’ and ‘Primal Scream’ before officially joining the band for around three decades.

He then went on to join The Charlatans after the band lost its founding member Rob Collins.

Duffy was given just weeks to prepare for his first concert with the band performing as the support for Oasis at Knebworth 1996

Previously Burgess said that Duffy was “the only musical genius” he’d ever met as he says: “me and [My Bloody Valentine’s] Kevin Shields sat up all night once with open mouths praising his natural ability,” he told the Quietus.

Tim Burgess’ full statement reads: “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”.