Pete Shelley, lead singer of punk band Buzzcocks, has died at the age of 63.

Shelley formed the group in 1976 and they achieved commercial success with hits including Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've).

His brother, Gary John McNeish, posted on Facebook: "This is the hardest thing I have ever had to do, is tell you my brother Pete Shelley had a heart attack this morning and passed away."

The band also confirmed his death on their official Twitter page.

"It's with great sadness that we confirm the death of Pete Shelley, one of the UK's most influential and prolific songwriters and co-founder of the seminal original punk band Buzzcocks," the post read.


Image: Buzzcocks frontman Pete Shelley has died aged 63

In another tweet, the band said: "Pete's music has inspired generations of musicians over a career that spanned five decades and with his band and as a solo artist, he was held in the highest regard by the music industry and by his fans around the world."

Fans and friends are paying tribute to the late singer on social media.

Singer Tim Burgess tweeted: "Farewell Pete Shelley. The first album I ever owned was Love Bites By Buzzcocks."

One fan wrote: "The world is sad enough right now without the loss of Pete Shelley. Gone way too soon".

Pete Shelley - a true gent!



He helped us so much at the start of our career out of a sheer love for all things punk. Without Pete & the Buzzcocks I would probably still be working at the Docks. RIP mate. X — Peter Hook (@peterhook) 6 December 2018

Pete Shelley RIP

Playing shows with the @Buzzcocks was one of the highlights of my life. I listened to Singles and Tension as much as any records I’ve owned. Thank you, Pete, for all the great words and music. Condolences to Steve and the boys.

Hollow Inside,

JA pic.twitter.com/FKu23xzBTQ — Pearl Jam (@PearlJam) 7 December 2018

Another fan, named Doug Shaw, tweeted: "Sad to learn of the death of Pete Shelley, The Buzzcocks were one of my favourite punk bands. Loved their ability to write excellent short sharp singles."

Singer Tracey Thorn, formerly of Everything But The Girl, said: "Oh God but I loved Buzzcocks. And Pete Shelley was an amazing songwriter. 'But after all life's only death's recompense.' RIP".

Image: Steve Diggle (L) and Pete Shelley performing at Coachella festival, California, in 2012

Shelley, real name Peter Campbell McNeish, was born in Leigh, a town in Greater Manchester.

The band, which he formed with Howard Devoto, debuted in 1976 when they opened for the Sex Pistols in Manchester.

Buzzcocks released their first EP, Spiral Scratch, on their own independent label in 1977.

Image: Danny Farran (L), Pete Shelley, Steve Garvey, Steve Diggle of The Buzzcocks in 2006

When Devoto left the band shortly afterwards, Shelley took over as lead vocalist and chief songwriter.

Shelley went onto release music as a solo artist in the 1980s and played with various musicians during his career, including The Invisible Girls.

His best known singles include Homosapien, Telephone Operator and Do Anything.

Shelley briefly reunited with Devoto to make the LP Buzzkunst, released in 2002.