HEARTFELT tributes have poured in for music idol Ray Mayhew after he died.
The drummer was best known as part of the 1980s iconic punk pop group Sique Sique Sputnik.
The sad news was shared by the group's Martin Degville who described Mayhew as a "force of light that shone so brightly".
Mayhew died on August 28 but no further information or cause of death was given.
In a Facebook tribute, Martin told fans: "It is with great sadness that I have been informed today that my best friend and drummer of Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Ray Mayhew, has passed away.
"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."
Sigue Sigue Sputnik were formed in 1982 by former Generation X bassist Tony James and had three UK top-40 hit singles, including Love Missile F1-11 and 21st Century Boy.
They based their music and striking image on electronic and glam band the New York Dolls and dystopian cult classic movies including Blade Runner and mad Max.
The band underwent many line up changes over the years as they reunited following their initial split in 1989 and Ray was the only member who featured throughout every line up.
Their first single Love Missile F1-11, was released in February 1986, and reached number 3 in the UK Singles Chart, number 2 in South Africa and was a major hit in several countries in Europe and Asia.
Their debut studio album, Flaunt It made the top ten in the UK as the band's popularity soared.
Sigue Sigue Sputnik went on to work with renowned producers Stock Aitken Waterman on their single Success in 1988.
The record producing and song-writing trio were known for having the Midas touch in the 80s and wrote hit singles for the likes of Kylie Minogue, Bananarama and Dead or Alive.
Mayhew left the band in 1989 while the group reunited in the 90s and went on to have a hit single in Japan.
Outside of the band Mayhew had his own group called Mayhem Deranged.
Fans of Sigue Sigue Sputnikwere devastated by the news and flooded Martin's post with heartbreaking tributes to Ray.
One wrote: "This is very sad news. Me and Ray were good friends in the mid 80s.
"We hung out a lot and had a lot of great times hanging out at gigs and the clubs back in an exciting time in London pop culture."
Another wrote: "So sorry to hear about Ray, I remember him coming to my local one lunchtime back in the 80s. On his own, and just came and hung out till closing.
"A very nice person, a genuine person with a good nature. RIP."
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