APPROACHING the sixth anniversary of the tragic loss of Warrington Indie rockers Viola Beach, a special rainbow vinyl commemorating the band’s self-titled chart-topping album goes on sale today, Friday.
The nine-track posthumous record first arrived in July 2016 after the Warrington four-piece, Kris Leonard, River Reeves, Tomas Lowe and Jack Dakin and their manager, Craig Tarry, were tragically killed in a road accident in Sweden on February 13 2016.
The coloured picture disc vinyl version of ‘Viola Beach’ marks the fifth anniversary of the album’s initial release.
“This poignant vinyl edition release has been welcomed by the families as a fitting celebration of what the bandmates and their manager did best together, make and perform wonderful music,” an official description reads.
The rainbow picture disc pays homage to the trademark colourful umbrella that Viola Beach were once photographed with, which later became symbolic of them in the wake of their tragic accident as they embarked on their first European tour.
To purchase the album CLICK HERE
“I would like to thank SJM and other organisations for the continued support we as families have received,” said Lisa Leonard. “I am very proud that the boys’ album is released on vinyl. I’m sure Kristian would have been too. Kris and the boys’ lives will continue through their music.”
In a joint statement, Tomas Lowe’s family expressed their thanks to “everyone at SJM & Communion Records who have made this re-release possible and to everybody out there who has listened to their music over the past 5 years. As a family, we are immensely proud of Tom and the re-release of the albums is a lasting tribute to the boy’s passion, music and friendship.”
Jo and Loren Dakin said: “Thank you so much to all of those who have made this rainbow of dreams wrapped up in vinyl possible. The boys would be proud and humbled.”
Colin, Diane and Sarah Tarry added: “The continued support from the music industry is overwhelming. Being a family of vinyl collectors, Craig would love that the album is released on vinyl. We’re so proud of him, Kris, Jack, Tom & River and always will be.”
Meanwhile, The River Reeves Foundation will be using River’s portion of the vinyl sales revenue to support one of the most exciting new music projects to be launched, ever! – RNCM Young Artists.
Ben & Sharon Dunne, River’s Dad and Step mum said: “River Reeves’ family both in Penzance and Warrington would like to thank all at SJM and Communion Records who have made this special re-release possible. Our most precious memories are of River making music and performing. We want the world to know that through the music, River along with his bandmates and manager will continue to live on in all our lives. Let’s get it back up the charts where it belongs!”
RNCM Young Artists is a new programme of training and support for young pop musicians aged 11-18 from the North West. Launching in September 2022, it will support new music talent across the region, give young people life-changing opportunities to achieve their potential, and make inspiring music training from the very best artists accessible to all.
RNCM Principal, Professor Linda Merrick, said: “This is a hugely exciting new programme which will support and inspire brilliant musicians, songwriters and producers – the next generation of the region’s music creators. We cannot wait to work with these young people and help them to take the next steps on their musical journey. We know there is incredible talent right on our doorstep and RNCM Young Artists will provide the very best training, mentorship and music-making opportunities to help them achieve their dreams”.
To support the foundation and the launch of the young artist project, on July 16 a group of Riv’s Riders are embarking on the Tour du Mont-Blanc (TMB) cycle challenge which is a 330km journey that sees riders climb over 8000m, the height of Mount Everest.
River’s Dad, Ben Dunne and five close friends, Neil Rigby, Paul Jefferson, Sam Middleton, Chris Loxley and Dave Wooster will be taking on this mammoth challenge.
Donations towards a £50,000 target can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/mont-blanc-challenge-2022
