By Monk
Burke Shelley, founder and frontman of legendary Welsh hard rockers Budgie, has died in hospital in Cardiff at the age of 71.
Shelley formed Budgie in 1967, alongside drummer Ray Phillips and guitarists Kevin Goddard and Brian Newton. The latter pair were subsequently replaced by Tony Bourge to form what was regarded by many fans as the band’s “classic” line-up. Shelley remained the only consistent member of the band until forced to quit touring after being diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm in 2010.
He is survived by his four children, to whom everyone at ÜRHQ sends their deepest sympathies.