Alan Rankine, star of Scottish band The Associates, has died. 

News of the musician’s passing was confirmed by his sons Callum and Hamish on Tuesday, January 3. He was 64.

“He died peacefully at home shortly after spending Christmas with his family,” they said in a statement. “He was a beautiful, kind and loving man who will be sorely missed.”

The Associates formed in the late seventies, starring Alan and late singer Billy Mackenzie, and released two albums – ‘The Affectionate Punch’ (1980) and ‘Sulk’ (1982) – along with singles compilation ‘Fourth Drawer Down’ (1981).

Departing the group, Alan worked as a producer with bands such as Cocteau Twins, before launching a solo career in 1986.

He went on to lecture at Glasgow’s Stow College, during which time he helped students establish Electric Honey records, which played a key role in launching the careers of acts such as Biffy Clyro and Snow Patrol.