Why do terrible, terrible things happen to the best people?
Viola Beach was an amazing band that was struck down way to early. This band was on their way to the top. The band consisted of Kris Leonard, River Reeves, Tomas Lowe, and Jack Dakin. Kris was the main vocals and guitar. River played guitar. Tomas rocked out on the bass and Jack was their amazing drummer. Former members include Frank Coulson and Jonny Gibson. The two left the band to pursue other things. They were an Indie Rock band hailing from Warrington, Cheshire. Their songs have been described as "infectious anthems with hints of slacker pop".
In 2013 the band released "Daisies" which ended up being featured on The Indie Cassette's 2nd album. "Love my Love" was on the websites 3rd volume. Perhaps their biggest hit, "Swings and Water slides", was self-financed and released under their own label Fuller Beans. It was added to BBC Radio 1's playlist in September 2015. The group was supported by BBC Introducing for rising artists. They played BBC's stage at 2015's Reading and Leads festivals. They were also able to record live sessions with BBC in November 2015. In 2016 they released two singles, "Boys that Sing" and "Like a Fool", under a new label called Communion. They were released on January 22. This was the last thing the band was ever able to release.
All four members of the band and their manager Craig Tarry were killed in an unimaginable car accident on February 13th. Kris was 20. Jack and River were 19. Tomas was the oldest member of the band at 27. Their manager was 33. The band was driving back from their first international gig. The accident happened on a bridge near Stockholm. A part of the bridge was being lifted to let an oil tanker pass underneath. Their black Nissan crashed through barriers and signs to plunge 80ft in to subzero water. To make matters worse, the oil tanker saw the car fall in to the water. The crew thought it was just a large chuck of snow, so they ran over the wreckage.
The accident happened around 2 am. The police were notified by witnesses around 2:15. Some articles claim that the band sat in the water for an hour while others say that the first body was found in the water at 2:38. 3 bodies apparently remained in the car. No other information has really been released. Police are investigating why the accident happened. So far they have found nothing. Craig Terry was driving. It is possible that he had been under the influence, but there is no way to prove that as fact.
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| Last picture of the boys |
As soon as the news was released love poured out for the boys. A movement to get the band's single to reach #1 started. It was supported by many different large name artists as well as friends and family of the band. River's stepmom said, "The only thing we have got left is for them to reach #1." All proceeds from their latest single is going towards the families of the members and the manager. The band they were opening for paid tribute to Viola Beach by playing a pre-recorded set in their opening spot. Aside from microphones and a drum kit, the stage sat empty as their songs played. The band was also on the bill for Liverpool Sound City. They were set to play the MainStage. Instead of changing the posters and finding a new band, they plan on leaving them on the set lists and setting up the main stage for a fitting tribute approved by the band's families.
I'd only heard of Viola Beach because of this tragic accident. I wish that I had found them earlier. They were an amazing band. I don't know much about their personality, but judging by the things said by friends and family, they were great people. They were definitely going places. It's sad to see that their lives ended so tragically and their dream ended so early. On the bright side, they died doing what they loved. Please share their music. They are an outstanding band in every aspect. Their music should never die. RIP Kris, River, Tomas, Jack, and Craig!
Sammy Wilk, also known as Sammy or Sam Wilkinson is doing his best to break through in the music scene. Much like his friends Jack and Jack, Sam focuses his musical style on rap with a bit of a pop sound. Sammy is a gorgeous 20 year old from Omaha, Nebraska. He gained his fame through the Internet. That seems to be the best place to start now. Some people can make it. Others can't. Sam is definitely one that can. He started to gain a following in 2013 when he started a Vine account. He gained 200,000 followers by the end of the year. He joined towards the end of March. In 2014 he joined many other Vine and YouTube stars on the MagCon tour. He is also known for his charity work with TreatmentForAll and Unite4Good. Not only is he a pretty good artist, he's also a kind hearted person that's using his rise to fame to better the world. You honestly don't see that much anymore except from humbled people like Sam and his friends. Sam has done calabs with Jack and Jack, Wesley Stromberg (Emblem3), Kenny Holland, and DJ Rupp (Dillion Rupp). However, he is most known for his work with Nate Maloley (Skate). This duet is famously known as Sammy and Skate. As a duo the two were signed on to Freshlee Records. In 2014 they released "Nothing to a King", "Signs", and "Party People". They were also on the bill for Magcon performances together as well as tours similar to it. In 2015 they released "Wassup", "Vibe Out", and featured in DJ Rupp's song "Where Art Thou". Sammy's appearances in music videos include "Vibe Out", "Nothing to a King", "Where Art Thou", Wassup", and he featured in "Like That" by Jack and Jack as well as "Fire" by The Balcony.
are going to be followed by a few more singles coming very soon. Sam has also been dropping hints about an upcoming album. So, yes, 2016 is going to be a great year for Sammy Wilk and you should be there for the ride.
