Massive Attack’s guitarist Angelo Bruschini has passed away

Massive Attack guitarist Angelo Bruschini has passed away, it has been confirmed.

The band, who are based in Bristol, UK, shared the news of his passing this morning (24 October) in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).

“RIP Angelo,” they said. “A singularly brilliant and eccentric talent. Impossible to quantify your contribution to the Massive Attack canon. How lucky we were to share such a life together.”

RIP Angelo 🤍
A singularly brilliant & eccentric talent. Impossible to quantify your contribution to the Massive Attack canon.
How lucky we were to share such a life together. pic.twitter.com/btSqYQnOoM

— Massive Attack (@MassiveAttackUK) October 24, 2023

According to the BBC, Bruschini had shared online that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer in July. He wrote at the time in a public post that several specialists had wished him “good luck” and added, “Had a great life, seen the world many many times, met lots of wonderful people, but the door is closing, think I will write a book.”

Bruschini was born in the city of Bristol and joined Massive Attack in the 1990s, after their formation in 1988. He performed with several bands as guitarist aside from the group, most prominently with The Blue Aeroplanes, who have also shared a tribute online.

“We are devastated to announce the passing of our brother Angelo Bruschini. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. Rest In Peace Ange x,” they wrote on Facebook.

Bruschini also played the guitar for Jane Taylor’s 2005 track Blowing This Candle Out, and served as producer for the self-titled 1997 album from alternative rock band, Strangelove.

Read more tributes to the musician below:

Sorry to hear Massive Attack guitarist Angelo Bruschini has died.

Angelo's guitar work on Mezzanine and particularly on tracks like Angel, Risingson and Inertia Creeps are unmistakable – and in a gig setting they're something else.

Rest in peace. 💙pic.twitter.com/m2REpzNUoE

— Peter Guy (@Getintothis) October 24, 2023

RIP Angelo Bruschini, a visionary of the band Blue Aeroplanes and unique guitarist for Massive Attack.

A Bristol legend. Thank you for the vital contributions to some of the most important music of the nineties, sculpting today's musical landscape. pic.twitter.com/u59q4lQl5w

— Rough Trade (@RoughTrade) October 24, 2023

When we got the Glaxos back together mid 80s Angelo Bruschini rehearsed with us for a bit before decamping to Blue Aeroplanes and then Massive Attack. He impressed me hugely by being able to play the opening run of the Hollies We're Through. Rest in Peace Angelo.

— Rob Chapman (@rcscribbler) October 24, 2023