Kate Bush's Bassist Del Palmer Dead at 71: Cause of Death Confirmed

Kate Bush's bassist Del Palmer died at 71, the musician's niece and Kate Bush News website confirmed.

While Palmer had been known for his works with Bush, he also established a solo career as a musician over the years. After his passing, his fans looked back at his contributions and paid tribute to him through heartfelt messages.

Del Palmer Dead at 71

According to both statements, Palmer died at his home on Friday, January 5, while surrounded by his family.

"Del had dealt with health issues over the last few years and the announcement came today on social media from his niece, Debbii Louise Palmer on behalf of Del's family," it continued.

It remains unknown what kind of health problems the musician faced in the years leading to his death.

Meanwhile, fans took to X to share the heartfelt memories they had with Palmer.

Super Deluxe Edition's Paul Sinclair wrote, "Shocked and so sad to read the news tonight that #KateBush's longtime engineer and bass player Del Palmer has died. He contributed to virtually all her albums, including the most recent, 2011's '50 Words For Snow'. Condolences to family and friends. I'll be raising a glass..."

"Myself with Del and Nadie being silly as usual," another wrote alongside a selfie. "I can't describe to you how talented he was as a musician, as an engineer and as a producer, just happy that I could enjoy some lovely moments with him."

A third one said, "I met Del Palmer a few times over the years at various Kate Bush events. This photo was taken at a Q&A by Lyndsay Kemp. Two immense talents now gone. Del is holding the doll I made of him. He was equally happy and confused by it! Rest peacefully Del, what a legacy you leave."

A Look Back at Del Palmer's Legacy

Palmer started showing his love for music at a young age, but he famously started working with Bush in 1977 when he joined her KT Bush Band. He became part of Bush's albums from 1978 and 2011 and received credits for his contributions.

But aside from being collaborators, the pair also dated from the late 1970s until the early 1990s. Despite their eventual split, they went on to work together on more projects, including in Bush's most recent work, "50 Words for Snow."

"I probably have more involvement than anybody else in what [Bush] does. I say that very modestly, because I don't really feel like anybody has that much involvement in what she does - it all comes out of her own head, really. We just try to contribute a little bit here and there," Palmer said in an excerpt from a Bush documentary.

In between those years, he collaborated with other musicians and started his own solo career.