HEARTFELT tributes have poured in for music idol Ray Mayhew after he died aged 80.
The drummer was best known as part of the iconic punk pop group Sique Sique Sputnik.
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The sad news was shared by the group’s Martin Degville who described him as a “force of light that shone so brightly”.
Mayhew died on August 28 but no further information or cause of death was given.
In a Facebook tribute, Martin told fans: “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.”
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 changes over the years as they reunited following their initial split in 1989 and Ray was the only member who featured throughout every line up.
Outside 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.
Sigue Sigue Sputnik went on to work with renowned producers Stock Aitken Waterman on their single Success in 1988.
The record producing and song-writing trio were known for having the Midas touch in the 80s and wrote hit singles for the likes of Kylie Minogue, Bananarama and Dead or Alive.
