Massive Attack have confirmed that Bristol musician Angelo Bruschini has died.
The guitarist was 44 years old, and was being treated for lung cancer. In a post over summer, Angelo Bruschini told fans the prognosis, stating that several specialists had wished him “good luck”.
He wrote: “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.”
Angelo Bruschini was a hugely experienced guitarist, with his work alongside the Blue Aeroplanes being particularly sought after. Massive Attack sounded him out during the recording of ‘Mezzanine’, their feted 1997 album.
A record dominated by eerie paranoia, Angelo Bruschini’s guitar phrasing plays a huge role in shaping the record’s character. A fantastic musician, he opened fresh doors for Massive Attack’s sound, leaving a huge impact on the group.
Confirming his passing, Massive Attack write on x / Twitter: “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 馃
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/btSqYQnOoMmdash; Massive Attack (@MassiveAttackUK) October 24, 2023
Journalist Melissa Chemam writes: “Very sad to hear about the passing of Bristol guitarist Angelo Bruschini… A star of the band The Blue Aeroplanes, he was also a key enabler of the sound of ‘Mezzanine’ with his very unique use of the chords…”
RIP Angelo Bruschini.
Find an archive clip of Massive Attack performing ‘Angel’ on Later… with Jools Holland, alongside vocals from Horace Andy and guitar from Angelo Bruschini.