Joe Murphy, the singer and bassist behind the Essex pop-punk band Koopa, has died at the age of 46.His sister Hollie confirmed his passing on social media, expressing deep sorrow for the loss of her brother.

While no official cause of death has been disclosed, Murphy had previously survived a cardiac arrest in 2021 that left him critically ill and hospitalized for weeks.

Koopa achieved groundbreaking success in 2007 when their single 'Blag, Steal & Borrow' entered the UK Singles Chart at Number 31, becoming the first unsigned band to reach the Top 40 with a download-only release.This marked a pivotal moment in the shift from physical albums to digital downloads, challenging traditional record label systems.The band's achievements included two further Top 40 singles and performances at major festivals like the Isle Of Wight Festival.Murphy's legacy is celebrated through tributes from local music figures, highlighting his impact on Essex's creative scene.His death underscores the fragility of life and the lasting influence of his work in reshaping UK music history.