808 State revealed the sad news on social media yesterday.
The death of 808 State’s Andrew Barker has been announced.
“It’s with a heavy heart to inform you of the passing of Andrew Barker,” the group’s social media post reads. “His family and friends asks that people respect their privacy at this time but remember him for the joy he brought through his personality and music. You’ll be sadly missed.”
Barker had remained in the electronic outfit with Graham Massey after first joining up in 1989 with his Spinmasters DJ colleague Darren Partington, not long after they’d enjoyed their first UK Top 10 single with what today is seen as a signature tune of the era, Pacific State.
One of Barker’s Hacienda contemporaries, Dave Haslam has been leading the tributes, describing him as ‘a bringer of joy’ and ‘a totally delightful fella’.