03 January 2023 , 16:02
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Alan Rankine, the keyboardist and guitarist of eighties band The Associates, has died aged 64, his family have announced in a statement issued earlier today.
Alan's sons Hamish and Callum shared the news in a tribute to their father on Facebook today.
Their post read: "It is with great sadness that my brother, Hamish and I announce the passing of our father Alan Rankine.
"He died peacefully at home shortly after spending Christmas with his family. He was a beautiful, kind and loving man who will be sorely missed."
They continued: “The Facebook community meant a lot to our dad so we’d like to keep this account live and we invite you to celebrate his life on this page.”
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It is not yet known the reason for his death.
The Associates at Wormwood Scrubs Athletics Club, London September 1980 (Redferns)The Associates were known for their many hit tracks including Party Fears Two and Club Country.
Alan formed the band in Dundee back in 1979 along with singer Billy Mackenzie, who passed away in 1997.
The band first gained recognition after releasing an unauthorized cover of David Bowie's song Boys Keep Swinging as their debut single the year they formed.
It landed them a record contract with Fiction Records.
Alan also had a solo career after leaving the band (DAILY RECORD)After signing with them, they released their debut album The Affectionate Punch in 1980 as well as the single collection called Fourth Drawer Down the year after.
However, in 1982, Alan departed the band and tried his hand in a producing career and worked with artists such as the Cocteau Twins.
He also had a solo career, releasing three albums.
Not only did he work on his solo career, but Alan also lectured at Stow College and helped new artists set up the Electric Honey label.
It helped launched the careers of artists including Snow Patrol and Belle and Sebastian.
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In 1982, the group achieved commercial success with their UK Top 10 album called Sulk.
He went on to have a solo career and also tried his hand at producing
The star also began lecturing at a collegeAt the time, they were associated with the New Pop movement, a movement which spanned many styles including artists such as the Human League and ABC.
Following his death, fellow stars paid tribute to him including India Willoughby and Duglas T Stewart.
India said: "Very sad to hear of the death of Alan Rankine, who along with Billy Mackenzie, made up The Associates. Loved this song - played relentlessly on my suitcase record player #PartyFearsTwo."
Duglas posted: "Very sad news today that Alan Rankine has died. I first became aware of Alan through The Associates and later got to know him a little. He looks very beautiful in this clip. Sending love to his family and all who loved him."