Bristol band The Pop Group's Mark Stewart dies aged 62

Mark Stewart, founding subordinate and frontman of The Pop Group, has died astatine the property of 62, his grounds statement has announced.

The vocalist passed distant successful the aboriginal hours of Friday, according to a connection released by Mute Records.

Stewart was described arsenic a "dear friend, chap agitator and originative unit of nature".

The creator and governmental activistic founded stone set The Pop Group successful 1977 arsenic a teen successful Bristol.

He performed alongside bandmembers John Waddington, Simon, Gareth Sager and Bruce Smith.

"Knowing Mark, moving with him, laughing with him and reasoning with him was similar thing else", the connection from Mute read.

"His hugely assured and dominating beingness was coupled with a sensitive, warm, creative, curious, intelligent and hilarious nature.

"He was always, vocally, connected the broadside of the oppressed, and did each helium could to guarantee radical were treated correctly.

"He questioned each azygous happening that was said and successful his governmental beliefs and successful enactment of others, Mark was not conscionable looking retired for the underdog, helium was intent that everyone got a voice, everyone got a chance."

Bristol euphony corporate Massive Attack paid their respects successful a tweet which read: "Post punk pioneer and archetypal main rocker. RIP Mark Stewart. Bristol volition ne'er beryllium the same."