AFTER more than three decades of reporting I am struggling to find the words to convey my feelings about the tragic loss of Warrington band Viola Beach.
Five young men cut down in the prime of their lives while doing the job they loved, killed in a car crash on their first gig outside the UK.
Details of the crash which killed them after their car plunged more than 80 ft into dark icy waters, are still emerging with investigations ongoing.
Whatever the outcome of the investigations they won’t change the huge waste of such young talented lives, who were more than likely on the brink of making the big time.
With a cult following in their home town and recognition by the BBC as an up and coming band, they were about to be taken under the wing of local concert promoter Simon Moran, which would have most likely have given them the spring board to even greater success.
While the boys and their manager are now tragically gone, I am sure their memory will live on.
Very often in the world of music tragedy can be a spring board to success – and I am sure the music of Viola Beach will be around for a long time to come, keeping alive the memory of five young men who had their lives cut tragically short.
Deepest condolences to their families and all those who knew them.
Now let’s hope the band can achieve their dream of having a number one hit to remember them by.
