Budgie vocalist/bassist Burke Shelley died in his sleep on Monday, January 10th, at the age of 71, according to a social media post shared by his daughter Ela.
She wrote on Facebook, "It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my father, John Burke Shelley. He passed away this evening in his sleep at Heath Hospital in Cardiff, his birth town. He was 71 years old. Please respect the family during this time. With love, His four children: Ela, Osian, Dimitri and Nathaniel."
Metallica famously covered Budgie's "Crash Course In Brain Surgery" on their on 1987 cover project "Garage Days Re-Revisited", and a year later covered "Breadfan" as the B-side to the "Harvester Of Sorrow" single.
Lars Ulrich reacted to the news of Shelley's passing on social media. He wrote, "Thank you Burke for everything you did for heavy music and much next level appreciation for co-writing and creating two songs that Metallica were honored to record over the years, 'Breadfan' and 'Crash Course In Brain Surgery'."
Check out Metallica's cover of "Crash Course In Brain Surgery" below:
Kandace Springs - Run Your Race
On the Blue: New Horizons Cruise Day 1: Marbin Gets the Fun Started
Hot In The City: Prog Band Tu-Ner Coming to Phoenix
Megadeth Announce North American Destroy All Enemies Tour
Asia Announce The Heat of The Moment Tour
blink-182 Lead Inaugural South Star Festival Lineup
Enter Shikari Announce New Companion Record 'Dancing On The Frontline'
Sammy Hagar To Receive Star On Hollywood Walk of Fame
Beatles Legend John Lennon's Lost Help! Guitar Discovered After 50 Years
Paul McCartney & Wings: One Hand Clapping 1974 Live Studio Sessions Available For The First Time