A FAMOUS Southend musician has died at the age of 56.

Larry Steinbachek, the keyboardist, who formed Bronski Beat with Jimmy Somerville and Steve Bronski in 1983, died last month after a short battle with cancer.

News of his death was confirmed to BBC News by his sister Louise Jones, who broke the news of his passing, saying Mr Steinbachek was surrounded by family and friends when he died.

The band quickly had chart success with the hits Smalltown Boy, Why and a cover of Donna Summer’s I Feel Love.

Originally from Southend, Mr Steinbachek was a prominent member of the gay community and had success playing keyboards with his band.

The band also headlined “Pits and Perverts”, a concert at the Electric Ballroom in London. The aim was to further raise funds for the Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners campaign and the event was even featured in the film Pride.

All members of the synth-pop group were openly gay and their songs reflected that, often getting involved in gay-related issues and acting as advocates.

Their debut album, the Age Of Consent, featured the consent age for males in various countries around the world on its inner sleeve.

Following the release of the record, Mr Somerville departed to form pop group the Communards with Richard Coles.

He was replaced by Jon Jon Foster and later Jonathan Hellyer.

Jon Jon Foster, who was a vocalist for the band between 1985 and 1987 and again between 1994 and 1995, tweeted: “A talent lost. Goodbye Larry, it was fun.”

Marc Almond, who had a worldwide hit with Tainted Love as a member of Soft Cell, paid tribute to the musician. He tweeted: “very sad to hear of the death of Larry. Enjoyed working with Bronski back in the Eighties and having a big hit with them.”

Marc and Bronski Beat collaborated in 1985 to release a hit cover of Donna Summer’s I Feel Love.

Others also took to social media to pay tribute. Band member, Mr Somerville tweeted: “We were young, brave and determined. Too out to stay in. Thank you for that moment Larry.” He also paid tribute by posting a demo version of their song ‘Screaming’ on Facebook. Mr Steinbachek moved to Amsterdam in 1994 and continued to make music and worked on various stage musicals.