80s new wave star and bassist for synth group Japan, Mick Karn, has lost his short battle with cancer at the age of 52.

Karn passed away among friends and family in London having moved from his native Cyprus to be with his family and for treatment following his diagnosis back in June 2010.

The fretless bass player from South London – whose real name was Andonis Michaelides – had also worked with Gary Numan and Kate Bush along with his place in the Japan line-up and was a great influence on many 80s groups including Duran Duran and Ultravox.

Midge Ure of Ultravox was in the midst of planning a fundraising event for Karn when he died, telling the BBC “I think Mick's influenced everybody. Until I heard Japan, I had never heard a bass guitar played like that; it was almost like playing a lead instrument, incredibly percussive and melodic, something that inspired me."

Karn revealed in his autobiography, 'Japan & Self Existence' that he barely received a penny in royalties for his contributions to Japan's music.

A statement released by Duran Duran bassist John Taylor stated that Karn was "one of the great visual and sound stylists of the late 70s/early 80s".

Mick Karn is survived by his wife and young son.

Watch Japan's video for 'Quiet Life' below: