Ray Mayhew, Drummer for Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Dies at 80

Ray Mayhew, the drummer best known for his long association with 1980s punk pop band Sigue Sigue Sputnik, has died, his bandmate Martin Degville announced on social media. Degville said Mayhew passed away on August 28; no cause of death or further details have been released. Several reports described Mayhew as aged 80.

Degville posted a tribute on Facebook calling Mayhew "my best friend and drummer of Sigue Sigue Sputnik" and saying, "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." Fans and fellow musicians posted condolences online, with messages on X and other platforms recalling the band's brief mainstream success and its distinctive image.

Formed in 1982 by former Generation X bassist Tony James, Sigue Sigue Sputnik mixed glam, electronic and punk influences and reached a mainstream peak in the mid 1980s. The group scored three UK top 40 singles, including "Love Missile F1-11" and "21st Century Boy." Reports say "Love Missile F1-11" peaked at number three in the UK Singles Chart in 1986 and the band's debut album, Flaunt It, entered...