Angelo Badalamenti, best known for composing the Twin Peaks soundtrack, has passed away at the age of 85.
The musician’s death was announced by his family in a statement, who said: "My great uncle Angelo Badalamenti has crossed the barrier onto another plane of existence.
"Between his work on Blue Velvet, Twin Peaks, Cabin Fever, Nightmare On Elm Street 3 and a plethora of others, plus his relationships & collaborations with David Bowie, Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, Nina Simone, Julee Cruise, Isabella Rosselini, Dolores O’Riordan, Anthrax, Dokken, Eli Roth and especially David Lynch, he has always been the most interesting man in the world to me."
The statement added: "A true musical and artistic inspiration for me and countless others. Stayed true to his roots and family, never leaving North Jersey for LA. Not to mention the casual but mind blowing true stories from his life he never ran out of. He will truly be missed by many."
As the news of the composer's death broke, fans took to social media to pay tribute to the late star.
"RIP Angelo Badalamenti. Will always be amazed that the MIDI piano roll for "Laura Palmer's Theme" is actually twin peaks," one wrote on Twitter this evening [December 12] as they paid tribute.
"Rest in Power to Angelo Badalamenti. Twin Peaks wouldn’t have been nearly as mystifying without your incredible work," another added, as a third tweeted: "Just heard Angelo Badalamenti died. Hour for hour, maybe the composer in my ear the most? There is NO Twin Peaks, the way we love it, without him. 100% a legend. I am so grateful for the gifts he gave us."
Throughout his career, Angelo received the 1990 Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance for his 'Twin Peaks Theme', and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the World Soundtrack Awards and the Henry Mancini Award from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.
In addition to working with David Lynch on the Twin Peaks saga, Angelo also collaborated with the famed director on the movies Blue Velvet, The Straight Story and Mulholland Drive.
The late composer tied the knot with wife Lonny in 1968 and the couple went on to welcome one daughter into the world together.
It's believed the late star resided in Lincoln Park, New Jersey, until his death on December 11, 2022.
Angelo's death comes just months on from the passing of another Twin Peaks musical legend.
Julee Cruise - best known for penning the theme tune of the hit TV show - passed away on June 9 according to an emotional Facebook post from her husband.
Edward Grinnan paid tribute by writing: "She left this realm on her own terms. No regrets. She is at peace.
"I played her [B-52’s song] Roam during her transition. Now she will roam forever. Rest in peace, my love."
