Posted on 09/02/2025 10:28:26 PM PDT by Morgana
Sigue Sigue Sputnik star Ray Mayhew has died.
The 1980s music idol was a drummer for the new wave band formed in 1982 by former Generation X bassist Tony James.
The sad news of his death was shared by bandmate Martin Degville in a Facebook tribute.
He died on August 28, but no further information or cause of death was given.
Martin's tribute read: '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 band had three UK top-40 hit singles, including Love Missile F1-11 and 21st Century Boy.
The band's music, image and inspiration drew from a range of electronic and glam bands such as Suicide and the New York Dolls.
Moving on from the 80s, the band went on to work with famous producers like Stock Aitken Waterman on their single Success in 1988.
Outside of the band Mayhew had his own group called Mayhem Deranged.
Fans were shocked to hear the sad news of his death and posted tributes online.
They penned on X: 'Sad to hear that Ray Mayhew, the drummer with Sigue Sigue Sputnik has died. For a brief shining moment in 1986, this band were everything.',
'Very sad news, I saw them Lots back in the day.',
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
RIP Ray Mayhew
Rest In Peace, Ray.
Wow, one other FReeper here besides me who knows who he is!
WHERE will he spend ETERNITY ??
Where will YOU spend eternity ??
WHERE will he spend ETERNITY ??
Where will YOU spend eternity ??
***
In the afterlife. How about you?
RIP
I thought Malcolm McLaren had something to do with the formation of this band, but I guess I was thinking of something else.
Any relation to former Genesis drummer John Mayhew?
"I thought Malcolm McLaren had something to do with the formation of this band, but I guess I was thinking of something else."
McLauren tried to shift what we now call the "punk" movement in NYC to the political extreme Left and anarchist. Tried to manage the New York Dolls early on--they rejected him and the Ramones's Johnny Ramone (a conservative rocker) beat him up. McLauren then had some success for a hot second in the UK putting together the Sex Pistols, which were infamous to the point most NYC "punk" bands had to rebrand as "new wave" to distance themselves.
I don’t think the author knows the definition of “legend.”
I follow music pretty closely and did so in the 80’s. I’ve heard OF the band but not familiar with any of their music and definitely don’t know the names of any specific band members.
Yet, he was a ‘legend.’
No disrespect to him or the band. It’s a comment on how bad journalism has become.
RIP
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