Mick Circa 1979

Holy Shit! Just got some more bad news: this time it’s Mick Karn, Bassist for Japan, one of my favorite bands of the late ’70s / early ’80s, who has passed away from cancer at age 52. Here are some of the details from The NME:

“Karn, who revealed in June 2010 that he had been diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer, passed away at his Chelsea home today (January 4), according to a statement on Mickkarn.net. The statement added that Karn “was surrounded by his family and friends” at the time of his death, and that he “will be deeply missed by all.” Born Andonis Michaelides in Nicosia, Cyprus, Karn played with Japan from their formation in 1974 until their split in 1982, and again in 1991 during a brief reunion under the new name Rain Tree Crow. He also worked with Gary Numan, Kate Bush and Bauhaus founder member Peter Murphy, with whom he formed Dalis Car in 1984. Karn moved back to Cyprus in 2004 with his wife and son, but returned to London last year. Following his cancer diagnosis, several appeals were launched via Mickkarn.net to help cover medical costs and offer financial support to his family.

Duran Duran bassist John Taylor today paid tribute to Karn on Duranduran.com, calling him “one of the great visual and sound stylists of the late 70s/early 80s.”