It was a posting on Facebook from a musician, Martin Robertson to Tony Wilson, both from Bulmer's home town of South Shields: "Tony, heard from Ropey that Dave Bulmer passed away in hissleep (sic) last nigh. Martint".

I'd prefer not to identify myself at this stage due to contractual disputes with CM music and any potential for resolution if the above news is true. Of course, it's not beyond the realms of possibility that there's a bit if Reggie Perrin going on here.