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Viola Beach families humbled as album makes Number 1

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VIDEO: THE families of Viola Beach say they have been humbled after the band’s debut album made Number 1 in the charts today, just six months after their tragic loss.

The self-titled posthumous album has been released as a tribute to vocalist Kris Leonard, guitarist River Reeves, bassist Tomas Lowe, drummer Jack Dakin  and their manager Craig Tarry by the families and friends of the group who were tragically killed when their car crashed off a bridge into a canal in Stockholm, Sweden, during the early hours of February 13 this year.

It is the first time a Warrington band has topped the album charts.

The album has shot to the top of the charts a week after being released – outselling the Likes of ELO, who had been at Number One with their recent greatest hits release.

It includes the track Swings and Waterslides, which entered the Official Singles Chart at Number 11 earlier this year.

The families released the following statement:”The tragedy that ended Craig, Jack, Kris, River & Tom’s lives in Sweden and the pain and sense of loss will never leave us.

“By sending the Viola Beach album to number 1 the public have sent out an important message to the world.

“The tragic circumstance that met Viola Beach and their manager Craig that fateful night in Sweden will not now define their lives. What will now define
their lives and what they will be remembered for, forever, is the music they were so passionate about making together.

“For that, we will be eternally humbled and ever thankful to every single person who by buying this glorious album has invested in their lasting musical legacy. The pain will never leave us but neither will the affection shown by every fan. Maybe one day that affection will live longer in the memory than the pain.

“So from us all a simple but heartfelt ‘thank you.'”

Martin Talbot, Chief Executive, Official Charts Company, said: “It is hard to think of an album which more people were rooting for than the Viola Beach release – nor a success which has felt so bitter-sweet. We (and the wider music community) are delighted that it has taken the number 1 spot – but it is an awful tragedy that Jack, Kris, River, Tomas and Craig are not here to see themselves take a place in the annals of British music.”

Viola-Beach-Poster-small

Pictures Paul Jackson

 

 


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Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.

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  1. Gary Skentelbery on

    Brilliant news – a lasting legacy for this great Warrington band who died in such tragic circumstances – my heart goes out to their families and friends. I can not even begin to understand what they must be going through as I feel like breaking down and crying every time I hear Boys that sing x

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