Tributes continue to pour in for 1980s music star Sigue Sigue Sputnik star Ray Mayhew following his death
Ray Mayhew had been a drummer for the 1980s punk pop group Sigue Sigue Sputnik.
Tributes have continued to pour in for drummer Ray Mayhew, a drummer for the 1980s punk pop group Sigue Sigue Sputnik. His death was shared by his bandmate, vocalist Martin Degville. In a tribute on Facebook, Martin wrote: “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, mat. Love you always.”
Following Martin’s tribute to Ray, fans have continued to share their tributes to the drummer. One fan wrote: “I am so sorry to hear this Martin. May Ray rest easy and continue the music,” whilst another wrote: “Wow I was a huge fan of his, I’m so sorry. But I have his autograph as a souvenir. Rest in peace.”
Paul Fitzgerald took to Facebook on September 3 and wrote: “My friend has died. I haven’t commented thus far about a friend and a real star I knew very well passing away on friday past.”
Paul also wrote: “I heard the news a couple of days ago and it was in my head but hadn’t really sunk in. Well I got home from work today and really cried my eyes out.
“Ray Mayhew of Sigue Sigue Sputnik. I have very fond memories of my times with Ray, nights- out in London around 1990-ish?!”
Paul also said: “And also amazing days and nights at his place in Dundee also at my place in Dundee 2 decades ago. He was a real gem of a soul. Larger than life.
“He was in a band that hd worldwide hits and albums. But htat’s not what defies Ray. He was personificatoin of REAL. RIP Ray Mayhew 1965-2025.”
Neal Whitmore also paid tribute to Ray on Facebook and wrote: “Sad to hear the news that former Sigue Sigue Sputnik drummer Ray Mayhew died earlier today. We shared some magic moments together through the ‘80s. Rest in peace old friend! 💔”
Musician Bob Malkowski shared his memories of Ray Mayhew on Instagram and wrote: “I’ve just learned of the passing of former band mate, Ray Mayhew, who was most famous as a member of legendary 1980s cyber-punk band Sigue Sigue Sputnik.
“From 2008-2011 I collaborated with Ray in his solo project, Mayhem Deranged along with Diodes guitarist John Catto @mondocatto and Maxdmyz bass player, Robert Godfrey.
“The project was as chaotic, unpredictable and noisy as Ray himself was! However, today I mourn the loss of a real Rock ‘n’ Roller; someone who lived the Rock ‘n’ Roll lifestyle to its fullest. And you know what? There aren’t many left anymore.
“Cheers Ray, go raise hell wherever you are.”
The band Sigue Sigue Sputnik was formed in 1982 by Tony James; they had three UK top-40 hit singles, including 21st Century Boy and Love Missile F-1-1. The band came back together after their initial split in 1989 and Ray Myhew remained in every line up, he also started his own group, Mayhem Deranged.