Larry Steinbachek, who played keyboard for the 1980s synthpop tiro Bronski Beat passed away unexpectedly at the age of 56.
Steinbachek was one of the founders of the group along with partners Jimmy Somerville and Steve Bronski. They were never a major mainstream act, but had a following and charted with songs including Smalltown Boy and Why?. The group also had a minor hit with its cover of Donna Summer’s I Feel Love which it recorded along with Marc Almond.
Steinbachek’s sister Louise Jones told BBC News he died last month after a short battle with cancer, with his family and friends at his bedside.
NME shared tributes from one of Steinbachek’s bandmates and a frequent collaborator on its website:
Jimmy Somerville paid tribute to Steinbachek today (January 13) by posting a demo version of the Bronski Beat song ‘Screaming’ on Facebook. He wrote: “In memory of Larry Steinbachek whose death was announced yesterday. We were young, brave and determined. Too OUT to stay in! Thank you for that moment Larr
Marc Almond also paid tribute on Twitter, writing: “Very sad to hear of the young death of Larry Steinbachek. Enjoyed working with Bronski back in the 80’s and having a big hit with them.”
Bronski Beat released three albums: 1984’s The Age Of Consent, 1986’s Truthdare Doubledare and 1995’s Rainbow Nation.
