A statement issued from the band read: “It is with great regret and deep sadness that we announce the death of Mary Hansen. Mary, vocalist and guitar with Stereolab since 1992, died in a cycling accident in London on December 9, 2002.

“The suddenness of her death has shocked the band. Mary was a special person. Our thoughts are with her family and friends who will miss her greatly.

“Mary was born in Maryborough, Brisbane (Australia) and her funeral will take place there next week.”

The band, whose core members include Tim Gane and Laetitia Sadier, are regarded as one of the most influential and experimental bands of the last decade. After taking a brief break at the end of the ‘90s, Stereolab resurfaced at the start of the millennium with a couple of acclaimed albums and much-welcomed tours.