Punk Icon And Viagra Boys Guitarist Benjamin Valle Has Died, Aged 47

Benjamin Valle - guitarist for legendary Stockholm punk outfit Viagra Boys - passed away overnight, aged 47.

The band confirmed the news via social media this morning, with a collection of photos paying tribute to the musician.

"It brings me great sadness to say that our beloved friend and founding member of viagra boys, Benjamin, has passed," a band member wrote.

"Benjamin was loving and kind and the sweet memories we have together are countless. i cant stop crying while going through pictures of you but also laughing because you were one of the funniest, goofiest, people i had the pleasure of knowing."

The post continues, "Benjamin or ‘benis’ as we knew him, spread laughter and happiness wherever he went and i will cherish the memories we have of touring the world together. Benjamin, we love you with all of our hearts and Viagra Boys would have been nothing without you. 

"This planet just lost one the good ones. I hope you’re somewhere up in space telling bad jokes to an alien. Goodnight my sweet boy. I’ll love you forever. Raise your glasses for benis. It's what he’d have wanted."

The band have a special connection to the Aus music landscape thanks to their ongoing friendship with Melbourne icons Amyl & The Sniffers - having produced a cover of the John Prine track In Spite Of Ourselves with Sniffers lead vocalist Amy Taylor.

No cause of death has been revealed at the time of writing.