Martin Duffy (r) has died (Picture: Redferns)

Martin Duffy, best known as a member of Primal Scream and The Charlatans, has died at the age of 55.

Duffy’s former bandmate Tim Burgess confirmed the news in a Twitter statement, paying tribute to his late friend.

He wrote: ‘Another tragic loss of a beautiful soul. Martin Duffy stepped in to save The Charlatans when we lost Rob – he played with us at Knebworth and was a true friend.

‘He toured with me in my solo band too – he was a pleasure to spend time with. Safe travels Duffy.’

Burgess added: ‘Love to all The Scream family.’

Duffy was also a member of the indie band Felt, which he joined in 1985 at the age of 16 after seeing an advert in a Virgin records store in his hometown of Birmingham.

He went on to join Primal Scream and played keyboard on the band’s first two albums, 1987’s Sonic Flower Groove and their 1989 self-titled record, before becoming a full-time member.

Following the death of The Charlatans’ founding member Rob Collins, Duffy went on to join the group last-minute when they supported Oasis at Knebworth, and he
played on their 1997 LP Tellin’ Stories.

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His former bandmate Tim Burgess confirmed the news.