Electronic producer and former member of The Orb, Andy Hughes, died of liver failure on June 12th. Best known for his work with Alex Patterson and Thomas Fehlmann from 1995-2001, Hughes contributed to the under-appreciated mid-period Orb material, Orbus Terrarum, Orblivion and Cydonia. Hughes is also credited on many Orb remixes during that period. After leaving The Orb in 2001, following what The Guardian referred to as "another acrimonious split", Hughes continued producing ambient and electronic dub sounds on his own. News of his death was first revealed in a comment on YouTube by Hughes' cousin.

Official statement:

Andy Hughes, electronic music producer/DJ who was born 11th November 1965 and, and who lived and grew up in Harrow, Middlesex, tragically passed away on Friday 12th June 2009 after a short illness.
Andy was a genius who gave so much inspiration and passion to all with his incredible work. He was loved by many aficionados of the trance/ambient genre, but will be especially remembered for his work with Alex Paterson and The Orb, most notably the album Orblivion and single Toxygene, which reached number 4 in the UK charts in 1997. Together with his musical partners Alex Patterson and former members Kris Weston, Simon Phillips and Thomas Fehlmann together with Nick Burton of Westworld fame. Andy created electronic and ambient/techno/house/dub masterpieces. These took him across the globe where he played to masses of fans in countries including the USA, Japan and Canada as well as a sell out concert at the Royal Albert Hall in 1998.

Please enjoy this live recording of a superb Orb track from Orbus Terrarum featuring the late Andy Hughes.

Andy Hughes Discogs.com page