Cheshire based quartet Viola Beach and their manager Craig Tarry were all recently tragically involved in a car accident in the early hours of Saturday 13th of February in Stockholm, Sweden: resulting in the heartbreaking deaths of all five. The band, consisting of four friends from their hometown of Warrington include: guitarist and vocalist Kris Leonard, guitarist River Reeves, bass player Tomas Lowe, and drummer Jack Dakin. The fifth person in the car was manager Craig Tarry, who was travelling with the boys after their first international gig. Viola Beach originally formed back in 2013 and released their debut single ‘Swings & Waterslides’ in August 2015. Their up-beat indie pop atmosphere emitted such vibrance and energy, promoting profound hope for the boys’ future.
These boys had massive potential to go far in the music industry and, if had been given the chance, would have created much more magnificent music. After releasing their single, ‘Swings and Waterslides’, these Cheshire based boys gradually became more foregrounded in the ‘up and coming’ music scene. 2016 set off to be a promising year for the lads, seeming to be somewhat of a bold start for them, with the likes of BBC Introducing and NME noticing their talent, it was clear that their music was indefinitely becoming more popular. Their summer had been organised to be filled with slots at a variety festivals such as The Great Escape Festival, T in the Park and Liverpool Sound City.
The news first appeared on Sunday 14th of February, and left the music world heartbroken; mourning over social media. Although this tragic news has left many fans in pieces, and left families of the band in a dark place; the music world has come together to pay their respects to the talented indie band. Not only are people all over social media sharing their condolences, but are also urging ‘Swings and Waterslides’ to reach the top of the charts as a touching tribute to the boys. It was also recently announced by the band’s label, Communion, that all the proceeds from the single will be going to the band’s and Craig’s families.
Tributes have been paid in various ways, from the likes of Liam Gallagher, The Stone Roses and Kasabian promoting their single, to fans giving their condolences, and even the likes of Liverpool Sound City keeping the bands name on their line up. The boys were additionally set to be supporting Blossoms on their tour this year. As a touching tribute, Blossoms recently tweeted to their fans that they will ‘mark their slot by playing a full audio recording of their set that was recorded from the Leamington Spa Show’ which was tragically the last time Blossoms got to see the boys and their manager.
It’s a poignant end for the band, one that has shocked fans and left family members distraught. The response to the tragedy has been overwhelmingly moving, and as the band climb the charts, it’s evident that these boys had huge potential, tragically cut short.
Help Viola Beach reach the top of the chart to pay your respects:
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/swings-waterslides/id1029171223?i=1029171366