Viola Beach was a British indie band consisting of Kris Leonard, River Reeves, Tomas Lowe, and Jack Dakin. They, along with their manager Craig Tarry, died in a tragic car accident in Sweden in the early morning hours on Saturday. The BBC reports their car plunged off a highway bridge, down approximately 82 feet into a canal.
BBC Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens said the band was quickly building a loyal fan base and that all were committed to their music.
Viola Beach was headed to a Swedish music festival called “Where is the Music?” They were part of the scheduled lineup.
The band headlining the event, Blossoms, tweeted their devastation at word of the Viola Beach members’ accident.
Absolutely devastated for the loss of Viola Beach and Craig Tarry. Our thoughts are with their friends and families. pic.twitter.com/Fg52on42as
— B L O S S O M S (@BlossomsBand) February 14, 2016
Other musicians shared their condolences, in addition to their shock, via social media.
So sad. @Viola_Beach 🙁
— Fran Healy (@franhealy) February 14, 2016
RIP Viola Beach and their manager. Such incredibly tragic and sad news. Thought with the friends and families of all involved x
— The Enemy (@theenemyband) February 14, 2016
Heart goes out to the Viola Beach guys and their families.
— Ross Jarman (@RossJarman) February 14, 2016
Viola Beach released their debut single, “Swings & Waterslides,” last year.
The four piece’s last post on Facebook was on February 2, where they shared their excitement about playing a gig in the U.S. next month.
Very excited to announce we've been invited by to play BBC Introducing and PRS for Music Foundation’s showcase at SXSW…
Posted by Viola Beach on Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Family members, friends, and fans of Viola Beach–the band members and their manager–are no doubt devastated over these tragic losses.
