Former Primal Scream guitarist Robert “Throb” Young has died. Sussex police confirmed that Young, 49, was found dead at his flat at 3.30pm on Tuesday 9 September. His death is not being treated as suspicious.

Bobby Gillespie and Andrew Innes of Primal Scream issued a statement shortly afterwards.

We have lost our comrade and brother Robert Young. A beautiful and deeply soulful man. He was an irreplaceable talent, much admired amongst his peers, In the words of Johnny Marr “Throb with a gold top Les Paul – unbeatable”’ He was a true rock and roller. He walked the walk. He had “Heart & Soul” tattooed on his arm and i’m sure on his heart too. He once said to me “when we go onstage it’s a war between us and the audience.” He never let go of that attitude. Our love and thoughts are with his sons Brandon and Miles and their mother Jane, his wife Rachel, and his immediate family.

The guitarist’s friends and associates were quick to pay tribute when the news first started circulating on Thursday morning. “Robert young , AKA the throb, passed away this weekend in hove. Truly devastating news,” posted “Mr Gary” on the Primal Scream Forum. Mani’s wife, Imelda Mountfield, also tweeted the news: “Beyond sadness today , RIP to the one and only Throb, over to the other side brother , we’ll love you forever . Melds n mani xx xx.”

Irvine Welsh (@IrvineWelsh) RIP Robert Young. One of the best, the most beautiful, who WAS rock n roll. Big love bro, give them it big time over the other side. #Throb

Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) RIP Robert Young AKA 'Throb'. Live Forever LG x

Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) So sad to hear of the death of Rob 'Throb' Young https://t.co/ZZ6a93DYXL A real good un

Young was a member of Primal Scream from near the start of their career in the mid-80s until his departure in 2006. He joined as bassist, switching to guitar after the release of debut album Sonic Flower Groove and the departure of guitarist Jim Beattie. With his long hair and leather trousers, Young became talismanic of Scream’s switch to a harder rocking sound on their second album, Primal Scream. Their next album, Screamadelica, won the Mercury prize in 1992.

Scream were famed for their hedonistic attitude to life, and Young was no exception, his lifestyle leading to his taking a “sabbatical” from the band in 2006, never to return.

“Let’s just say that he’s got some problems that he’s got to sort out for himself,” singer Bobby Gillespie said in 2006. “It’s a hard thing to talk about, because it’s private and it’s his life, and I don’t think I have the right to judge him. I’d like Throbert to be alive. I’d like him to be well. I’d like him to be happy. Further than that I can’t really say. I just hope he wants to get better.”

In a 2013 interview with Drowned in Sound, Gillespie was asked whether he might ever again work with Young, replying: “No, it’s never gonna happen again. That moment has passed. I don’t want to get into the reasons but things turned out how they did. He went one way and we went another way. He stopped making music and we carried on making music. You just have to get on with your life. Robert Young’s an incredible musician, an incredible talent. One of the most talented people I’ve ever known. I grew up with Robert and I love him like a brother, but we don’t see him any more. I don’t think anybody does. I don’t really know what’s happening there. I don’t think he’s making music now. But I wish he was because he’s super talented.”