Carer of Steve Bronski says he died in Soho flat fire

A friend and carer of Steve Bronski has disclosed that the musician died in a fire at his flat in Soho, London last week.

On Thursday, the death of Steve Bronski, a founding member of 1980s synthpop trio Bronski Beat, was confirmed after fellow band member Jimmy Somerville tweeted: “sad to hear Steve has died”, and described him as “talented and a very melodic man”.

Josephine Samuel, who had been caring for Bronski following a stroke, said that he lived in a flat on Berwick Street which was the scene of a fatal fire on Tuesday.

The cause of death has not been officially confirmed and Somerville’s agent said that he had not had any more information about it.

Samuel told The Guardian that she had visited him the day before the fire at the flat and has since returned to lay tributes to him.

She said: “Because he had suffered a stroke, it was difficult for him to get up. He died from smoke inhalation.”

On Tuesday, a man was reported to have been rescued from a flat by firefighters wearing a breathing apparatus. He later died in hospital according to a spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade, but they would not confirm his identity.

The Glasgow-born gay icon co-wrote hits such as 'Smalltown Boy' and with Bronski Beat recorded a total of five albums, the most recent of which, 'The Age Of Reason', was released 22 years after their fourth.

Since the news of his death, fans and friends have left cards, flowers and photographs at the entrance of the flat which includes one card that says: “Dear Josephine, My sincere condolences on your loss. Steve started the beat and it will never stop. Bronski Beat forever. With very best wishes and deepest sympathy, a Small Town Boy. xx”

[Via: The Guardian]

Becky Buckle is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter