One day I am browsing YouTube as I am wont to do from time to time (usually I am very specific but once in a while I look at their bizarre suggestions because occasionally I find something interesting. It’s kind of like ferretting through bargain bins). I find a band that sounds familiar yet distinctive. For once it’s pleasant, enjoyable and just is. I think to myself, “Make note of that.”
Of course, I don’t write the name down. Usually, if I like a band that I’ve never heard of I always seem to happen upon them again. This, unfortunately, was different . . . The next day I read an article about a band and their manager dying in an accident. Something like this always saddens and haunts me to ridiculous lengths. Especially, an entire band! So, then, out of curiosity, I listen to one of their videos and I immediately realize that it was the same band I stumbled upon the day before.
Viola Beach were a new and upcoming band that had only released two singles. Their names were Kris Leonard, Jack Dakin, River Reeves and Tomas Lowe. They were out of Warrington England aged 19 (except Tomas who was 27. Craig Tarry, their manager, was 33). This lineup formed in May 2015 and catapulted into the English limelight almost instantly. A year ago they had barely been out of Warrington then a few months ago they were booked all over the U.K., scheduled to play Sweden and the U.S. (South by Southwest Festival in Texas). In wee hours of Feb. 13 after finishing their first gig in Sweden their car went off a bridge killing all five. The reports of the circumstances are very disjointed and I will be writing about that. For now, however, I just want to talk about Viola Beach. As you can tell, since the news of their death I have been doing a lot of listening. I wish I had been doing so beforehand and this accident never happened. Sometimes denial seems like a good retreat though it’s really useless.
Unfortunately, I have only heard six songs from them: “Swings and Waterslides,” “Like a Fool,” “Get to the Dancing,” “Boys That Sing,” “Cherry Vimto” and “All Week.” There was not a bad song among them. None of the songs were earthshattering but definitely unique and very above average. They all seemed to scream one word -“PROMISE.” They screamed this word in more ways than one.
In a world filled with anger and cynicism, they were one the few bright lights in the music world. I’m not saying they were the only ones with promise and talent, however, Viola Beach were one of the few bands that were genuinely happy and conveyed it without being sappy, dishonest or phony. They were the genuine article. From all the comments made about them (and there were many) you don’t get a hint of “afterthefactness.” What I mean by that is this sort of thing that happens after anyone of any note dies. Comments are made, obligatory statements about what a tragedy, blah, blah, blah. There was a genuine outpouring of emotion from the fans. These guys didn’t seem like friends, they were friends. The camaraderie amongst themselves and with the audience was palpable.
I truly wish I could have seen them in person. They definitely were going places- how far and where is anyone’s guess but without a doubt they were enjoying the ride. I would like to think they died happy, asleep and dreaming of their next gig. I hope that the driver, wherever he is can forgive himself . . . and from what little I know of the incident, it’s not his fault. I’ll write about that later. I don’t know what I’d do if I was their parents. The proceeds of “Boys That Sing” go to their families so if you can please buy it. If you know their families be their for them while giving space. The pain will never go away just dull.
As fans, it’s best we concentrate on the music. As musicians, it’s best that we keep these guys in mind as an example of how powerful music can be when it’s genuine. When it’s done not just for what it brings materially but what it does spiritually. Viola Beach (and, indeed, their manager) did this primarily for the love of it. Just look at their faces as they play. I can tell you it’s not for the camera! I do believe they were what they said they were “four pals that just happen to play music together.” They were that and more. They were light bringers. It’s a pretty ridiculous and petty existence if all your music is flowers and smiles but genuine happiness should always be welcome and that seems to get forgotten nowadays. Just look at the phony happiness in our adverts, jingles and commercial music. Hell, just look at the phony rage to capitalize on that marketplace. If you’re angry, be angry. If you’re sad, be sad. But don’t ever forget happiness, hope and promise. They still do exist and they still live in the music of Viola Beach.
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You’re welcome. And thank you for commenting. I’m glad you liked it. I did write some followups on this as well.
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Thank you for the compliment. It’s great you got a free lunch out of my post. Magic, that is, I tell ya! If your colleague turns up anything please let me know.
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Absotively welcome! I will have a followup. Unfortunately, there’s not lot of new info but even that is something I will write about. It’s bad enough of a tragedy without having the Swedish police mucking it up and rumour-mongers gumming up this inforiver!
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