Ray Mayhew dead: 80s legend dies as bandmate speaks out

Ray Mayhew, who was part of new wave group Sique Sique Sputnik, has died.

The news was shared by the group's singer Martin Degville who described him as a 'force of light that shone so brightly.'

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."

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The star died on August 28 but no further information or cause of death was given.

Sigue Sigue Sputnik were formed in 1982 by former Generation X bassist Tony James and went on to have three UK top-40 hit singles, including Love Missile F1-11 and 21st Century Boy.

They based their music and striking image on electronic and glam band the New York Dolls and dystopian cult classic movies including Blade Runner and mad Max.

Mick Jones, formerly of the Clash, worked with the band in their early days as their live sound engineer and helped them hone their sound before they opened for New Model Army on tour.

Boomtown Rats' manager Fachtna O'Kelly also helped the band launch - providing them with equipment and also their name. Sigue Sigue Sputnik was a supposed reference to a Russian street gang.

The band went on to work with renowned 80s 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.

Ray left the band in 1989 while the group reunited in the 90s and went on to have a hit single in Japan.