Mark Bell of Warp Records stalwarts LFO has passed away. The Yorkshire-born electronica producer led an illustrious career as one half of LFO and worked as a close collaborator and producer of big hitters such as Björk and Depeche Mode.

With his musical partner Gez Varley, LFO represented a new form of rave at the turn of the 90s, with the 1991 album Frequencies cementing their position as important innovators in what would controversially go on to be labelled as IDM (Intelligent Dance Music). After Varley left in 1996, Bell persisted with the project and his profile soared, culminating in him producing Björk's 1997 record Homogenic.

The partnership with Björk proved fruitful; while touring in 2007 and 2008, Bjork would often perform "Freak" by LFO, one of the finest techno tracks ever released. In what appears to be a cruel twist of fate, Björk posted Bell's remix of "Possibly Maybe" this afternoon.

Bell also worked with Depeche Mode on the 2001 record Exciter as producer.

He will be remembered as one of dance music's true innovators, part of the thrilling crew that shaped Warp Records' sound at the turn of the 90s and informed dance music as we know it today.

UPDATE: 

Warp Records have confirmed the sad news with the following online statement:  

"It's with great sadness that we announce the untimely passing of Mark Bell of LFO who died last week from complications after an operation. Mark's family & friends request privacy at this difficult time."