Opeth frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt took to social media today to pay tribute to late Budgie frontman Burke Shelley, who passed away on Monday, January 10, at the age of 71.

Says Åkerfeldt: "I almost choked on my coffee this morning when I read that one of my idols, the great Burke Shelley of Budgie had passed away. What a terrible loss!

"Most people know Budgie as the band that Metallica covered ('Breadfan', 'Crash Course In Brain Surgery') ages ago. They remained underdogs in the scene even if they’re there right in the beginning of the creation of hard rock/heavy metal music.

"I think Burke was one of those guys who was quite uncomfortable with the heavy metal tag, but it’s undeniable that they were instrumental in bringing it to the masses. I stumbled upon them in the 80’s. A friend of mine (thank you Stefan!) played me Bandoiler from 1975. It wasn’t the heavy side of their music that sucked me in, but rather the gentle side. Songs like 'Slipaway' are beautiful. And the majestic 'Napoleon Bona-Part 1 & 2' showcased dynamics that a lot of their peers simply didn’t have. Since then I have rather impressive Budgie section. Their softer side remains my favorite part of their music. 'Everything In My Heart', 'You And I', 'Make Me Happy', 'Young Is A World' and so on.

"Burke had a jazzy quality to his voice as well as the ability to scream like the best of them. I think he was a big fan of Paul McCartney, or at least that’s what I hear.

"We recorded 2 albums at the Rockfield studio in Monmouth/Wales, which was kind of the go-to studio for Budgie. I remember waiting for them to drop by, but they never did. Why would they? Childish dreams on my behalf. So I've never met them unfortunately. I did however manage to see them live twice, and they’re fantastic!

"Thank you Burke, for all your fantastic music! And our sincere condolences to the Shelley family as well as to the remaining band members, past and present."

Ela Shelley shared the news of her father's passing earlier in the Budgie fans worldwide Facebook group, stating :"It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my father, John Burke Shelley. He passed away this evening in his sleep at Heath Hospital in Cardiff, his birth town. He was 71 years old. Please respect the family during this time. With love, His four children: Ela, Osian, Dimitri and Nathaniel."

In 2010, Budgie cancelled tour dates in Poland and the Czech Republic after Burke Shelley underwent emergency surgery for an an aneurism of the aorta.

Shelley appeared on all 11 Budgie studio albums, beginning with their self-titled debut in 1971, and culminating with You're All Living In Cuckooland in 2006.