Duran Duran's John Taylor has paid tribute to Mick Karn, who has died following a battle with cancer.

The 52-year-old former Japan bassist passed away in London on Tuesday (January 4) surrounded by family and friends.

In a message on Duran Duran's website, Taylor described Karn as a “bassist and super-sideman”, and “one of the great visual and sound stylists of the late-seventies/early-eighties”.

Taylor said he first saw Japan with his brother Nick at Barbarellas in Birmingham on their Obscure Alternatives tour.

“Mick changed my life in a good way, ‘Quiet Life’ and ‘Gentlemen Take Polaroids’, ‘Adolescent Sex’ and ‘Tin Drum’ are amongst the best recordings made during the post-punk era in my view,” he added.

“Mick’s sax playing also was always interesting. He shall be missed.”

Karn, real name Adonis Michaelides, was born in Nicosia, Cyprus, and founded the band in 1974 alongside friends in Catford.

The musician also embarked on a number of solo projects, as well as working as a sculptor and photographer.

(by Jason Gregory)