THE heartbroken dad of Viola Beach drummer Jack Dakin has spoken publicly for the first time since the tragic death of the Warrington band members and their manager 10 years ago today.
While no official event has been organised to mark the occasion, the band has been remembered with a display of colourful umbrellas in Golden Square’s Old Market Square, with the town’s Mayor, Cllr. Mo Hussain is also planning a statement on social media.
The band will also be remembered at Warrington Wolves’ sold-out season opener against St Helens this evening, when one of their songs with a montage will be played on the big screen, just before another local band, The K’s perform live.
Reflecting on that fateful day, Ian Piers Dakin, has spoken publicly in detail about his feelings to Warrington Worldwide, which we reproduce, unedited below, as we remember the “Boys That Sing,” Kris Leonard, River Reeves, Tomas Lowe, Jack Dakin and their manager Craig Tarry.
Pictures Paul Jackson
“As the Father of Jack Piers Dakin, I’ve recently been asked this question: ‘Are any special preparations being made for the 10th Anniversary of the tragic accident involving Viola Beach and their Manager, on the 13/02/2016 over in Sweden?’.
“Personally speaking, nothing will be any different this year than that, horrendous moment in 2016, when I was told about the accident or the first anniversary the following year or the ninth anniversary last year (in fact, every single anniversary in between).
“To be perfectly blunt, I reckon the pain and loss will feel exactly the same in the next 20 or 30 years’ time.
“For the record, may I add that I very strongly disagree with the phrase, “Time Heals ALL Wounds”.
“In my own personal experience, I feel that time has only dulled my own edge of pain and covered my wounds with scar tissue and nothing in the whole wide Universe will ever cure this wound, which will remain with me forever until the day I die, BUT fortunately, my mind protects its own sanity, by pushing it to the background and allowing me to appear to function in the ‘real world’.
“I used to be religious, but nowadays consider myself ‘A God Fearing Atheist’ (…if such a beast exists?).
“I will say this though about Time; that time has allowed me to cope with the loss and stay focused and positive with my life and even though I may struggle and wobble occasionally, I do try my hardest every single day, not to become too low and negative, as this would surely fester my wounds and rule out the possibility of any future healing.
“What has tremendously helped with my current healing process is having a very strong partner Bev and a loving daughter Loren, by my side and also being surrounded by Friends and Family.
“I know, and I’m fully aware, that I am not alone in grief and thousands upon thousands have walked in these same shoes, having lost their own loved ones.
“I also realise that I’m ‘fortunate’ through the internet and social media, to have a vast library of Jack’s photos and videos available at the touch of a button.
“When Jack passed, I personally mixed some of his ashes into ink and had a portrait of him tattooed into my back and shoulders.
“I don’t look at the tattoo every day, but I know where it is and take comfort knowing I am still carrying my son Jack on my shoulders.
“Jack’s ashes were interred in a large bass drum (not far from his Grandma and his best friend and fellow bandmate, River) and Jack’s Grandad also had an engraved bench placed near Jack’s grave and headstone.
Rather than the above-mentioned phrase, “Time Heals ALL Wounds” ~ I personally think a more accurate phrase for myself should be “It’s What YOU Do With YOUR Own Time That Will Help YOU To Heal”.
“Going back to the initial question of ‘…Are any special preparations being made for the 10th Anniversary of the tragic accident involving Viola Beach and their Manager, on the 13/02/2016 over in Sweden……’
“My own intentions for Friday the 13th are:
To remain focused and positive on the 13/02/2026 and raise a glass (or 5), to Jack, Kris, River, Tom and Craig.
Visit Jack’s Drums and his Portrait this month, that are on proud display at the British Music Experience, which is based in the Cunard Building, Pier Head, Liverpool Waterfront.
“I have also just received a Viola Beach montage from local photographer, Wes Harding and this will be joining our other numerous musical memorabilia on the walls of our home.
1 Comment
Good to see a remembrance of umbrellas at the market place.
As mayor I remember waking up to the news at 7 am and a Manchester radio station camped out in my parlour for most of the day
I also remember the friendships that developed with Sharon and Ben and their work in memory of Rivers.
I joined in on of Sharon’s Rivers Runners running events at the start of my recovery at the Village Hotel and the motivation and encouragement to start running again just before I had my replacement hips surgeries.
Ben got me to drink a Viola Beach 🍸 which meant that the Mayoress became the dedicated driver to York to see our newly born grandson.
I have as you see some positive memories but I do recognise that others have very sad ones, so do what the band would and say “Alexa play Viola Beach” and remember the good times.