source: wikipedia
Vocalist/bassist Burke Shelley of the legendary Budgie has passed away. He was 71-years-old. The news was confirmed yesterday evening (10th) by his daughter, Ela, who issued the following Facebook statement:
“It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my father, John Burke Shelley. He passed away this evening in his sleep at Heath Hospital in Cardiff, his birth town. He was 71 years old. Please respect the family during this time.
With love,
His four children: Ela, Osian, Dimitri and Nathaniel.”
From Opeth to Metallica, the metal community has responded to his passing sharing heartfelt tributes:
Metallica’s Lars Ulrich shared his thoughts as an Instagram story, expressing:
“Thank you Burke for everything you did for heavy music and much next level appreciation for co-writing and creating two songs that Metallica were honored to record over the years, ‘Breadfan’ and ‘Crash Course In Brain Surgery’.”
Loved this fella, what a band Budgie were but terribly underrated. The last gigs I saw were in tiny clubs or village halls but Budgie still rocked my socks off every time! God bless you Burke Shelley, may you rest in rock x https://t.co/ikfOu2SNXj
— Matthew Wright (@Matthew_Wright) January 11, 2022
Goodbye Burke Shelley. When I was young I made my Mam embroider the Budgie logo on my denim jacket they were my favourite. Parents, In for the Kill, Pyramids…🌈
— mark benton (@markbenton100) January 11, 2022
Sad to hear of the passing of Burke Shelley. I played support to them as far back as Persian Risk days. They were pioneers and produced some of the heaviest riffing you could imagine. Thoughts are with his family. RIP welsh hero.🎸 pic.twitter.com/xl53AZO77r
— Phil Campbell (@MotorheadPhil) January 11, 2022
Sad news to hear of the passing of Burke Shelley of Budgie. The band is best known in the US for @Metallica covering 2 of their songs. But the story is much greater as illustrated in this great piece from the UK : https://t.co/cWQCJyt2AN
— Eddie Trunk (@EddieTrunk) January 11, 2022
Our thoughts and condolences go out to Shelley’s family and friends during this difficult time.
