Massive Attack guitarist Angelo Bruschini has died following a battle with pleomorphic carcinoma – an aggressive and rare lung cancer, the band confirmed today.
The band wrote: RIP Angelo. A singularly brilliant & eccentric talent. Impossible to quantify your contribution to the Massive Attack canon.
‘How lucky we were to share such a life together.’
Bristol-born Angelo, 62, who joined Massive Attack in 1995 as a touring member and also contributed to their 2003 record 100th Window alongside the recently departed Sinead O’Connor – revealed in July that he had been diagnosed with the deadly disease and suggested he would write a book about his amazing life.
He wrote: ‘Twice now I have been told “Good luck” by specialists at the hospital over lung cancer, I think I’m f***ed!’
Guitarist Angelo Bruschini, pictured in June 2014, has passed away following a battle with lung cancer, the band announced today
Massive Attack shared a tribute to Angelo on social media
Angelo’s wife Jessica shared a sweet tribute to him on social media today with some pictures of him and their son Joel, (bottom left)
Angelo pictured with his wife Jessica on social media
‘Had a great life, seen the world many many times, met lots of wonderful people, but the door is closing, think I will write a book.’
A friend wrote in response that he should remain positive, to which he responded: ‘The type I have is moving fast. It seems my rare type is aggressive… Had a great life and hope you [have] too.’
Days after sharing his diagnosis, Angelo said his cancer was ‘inoperable’ and in a bid to fight the disease, he needed to try chemotherapy.
He later added: ‘I love you all and music the only thing I know is coming whilst I have time. sounding good to me!’
Angelo is survived by his wife, NHS worker Jessica Merritt, and their son Joel.
Jessica took to Facebook today to announce his passing, and shared some pictures of him taken over the past ten months.
One picture showing Angelo and Joel was captioned: ‘Like father, like son.’
The musician was known for his unique style of guitar playing for Massive Attack.
Robert Del Naja, Horace Andy and Angelo of Massive Attack performing on Jimmy Kimmel Live
The group consists of Robert ‘3D’ Del Naja, Adrian ‘Tricky’ Thaws and Grant ‘Daddy G’ Marshall – notably on their seminal 1998 LP Mezzanine, which featured the top ten single Teardrop and the hit Angel.
Angelo produced Strangelove’s eponymous album in 1997. He also played for a number of other bands, including The Numbers and Rimshots and The Blue Aeroplanes.
In addition, he played guitar for Jane Taylor’s hit single Blowing This Candle Out.
The Blue Aeroplanes wrote: ‘We are devastated to announce the passing of our brother Angelo Bruschini.
Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. Rest In Peace Ange x.’
Spot the signs: Symptoms of lung cancer are often not noticeable until the cancer has spread through the lungs to other parts of the body
A post on the Massive Attack fan forum Red Lines told how Angelo’s rock background meant he was ‘used to a routine whereby songs are written. rehearsed, demoed and then – and only then – recorded in a studio’.
It said the band’s producer, Neil Davidge changed that, adding: ‘However, he spent much of 1996 playing random notes on guitar for hours on end, being sampled by Davidge and Del NAJA who would then use a computer to experiment with the guitar’s tone, speed, texture and very “guitar-ness”.’
‘We really did take a lot of liberties.’ Davidge told the site. ‘Angelo would come into the studio after doing a long session the dav before and say, “Wow that sounds good – what’s that?” I’d say, “That’s you, mate”.’
Tributes rolled in for the iconic musician. One fan wrote: ‘RIP Legend Angelo Bruschini. Massive Attack very important in my life, many reasons.’
Tributes rolled in for the iconic musician. One fan wrote: ‘RIP Legend Angelo Bruschini. Massive Attack very important in my life, many reasons’
‘Such a talented and great guitarist. rip Angelo 🙁 #angelobruschini #massiveattack #sadness.’
‘So sorry to hear about the loss. Sending condolences to Angelo Bruschini’s loved ones.’
‘Our hearts ache at the loss of a remarkable talent. Angelo’s legacy will forever live on through the music.’
‘Amazing guitar work. It still sounds like the future.’
‘Sorry to hear this, a great loss to his family, friends and the world of music. RIP Angelo.’
A photograph of Angelo shared by his wife Jessica