Warrington Band Latest - campaign to get Viola Beach to number one takes off.
Band's music rises through the charts following tragic crash.
A campaign to get Viola Beach's music to the top of the charts is gathering momentum.
The Warrington band who were killed in a car crash in Sweden has seen their songs rise through the charts over the past two days.
The girlfriend of one of the members of Warrington band Viola Beach has told us the band were tipped for stardom. All 4 members died when their car plunged 80ft into a canal in Sweden. Their manager was also killed.
Our reporter Justin Mottershead spoke to guitarist Tom's girlfriend Chlodagh Devon and other friends outside the Lounge Bar in Warrington where wellwishers have been leaving tributes.
More tributes have been paid since the tragedy, Speaking on Monday drummer Jack Dakin's mum Joanne said:
"Jack meant everything to his family and was a beautiful loving son. Only 19 years old, he was in the prime of his life and enjoying doing something he really wanted to do. He loved drumming and being with the band and Craig. It was all that he ever wanted. He was looking forward to living the life that many people just dream of - touring the world in a rock n roll band and releasing records."
"He never had to deal with the drudgery of the nine to five slog, no mortgage to worry about … instead he died, having just played his first ever European show, living his dream. He will live on through his music."
Friends, fans and those who worked alongside the band have reacted with shock. Ian Grimble, the band's producer, who has worked with the likes of Mumford & Sons said: I first became aware of Viola Beach through their single Swings & Waterslides and was very taken by the energy and vibrancy that jumped out of the speakers.It is with great sadness that we will not be able to see them grow from the spark that they are now, into the raging fire that they so desperately desired to become.'' The band's label Communion Records spoke of its total shock and sorrow'', adding that they hadeverything going for them - great songs, passion, talent, drive ... everything that a band should have''. It said: To sit down with the band was to sit down with a group of guys whose band you wanted to be in, and to be in the presence of a band who knew just what it would take to make it"
David Morgan, entertainment editor for the Warrington Guardian told us: "I couldn't believe it at first. For the whole band to die it's just mind-boggling and devastating.
"That's refelcted in the way the whole country's reacted to it even though it's this little local band from Warrington." Tributes on social media include from a Cheshire barbers where the band went - it says: "Can't take in the news about the viola beach lads.... Easily some of the nicest men we have ever met. They were customers that soon became good friends - RI.P boys"
Band member River Reeves family have issues this statement: "We are all heartbroken following River's tragic death and the circumstances which have seen him lose his life alongside the band-mates and manager he adored and loved being with. Viola Beach were on such an exciting journey and River could not have been happier. He would have loved to have stuck around for the party.
"All River wanted to do was perform and entertain and to think that he will never make us laugh again with his ridiculous impressions and cheeky banter is beyond comprehension for all his family. River had such talent and such humility, such charm and such innocence it seems so unfair that he can be taken so cruelly from us like this.
"We are so proud of him, not only for what he achieved in his short, beautiful life, but also what he was clearly destined to achieve. He will live forever in our hearts and we hope the band's wonderful music lives on."
Craig Tarry's family say: "The family are devastated by these events and are grieving the loss of their son and also for the other families involved in this tragic accident.
"Craig was a warm, loving person who had worked tirelessly to achieve success and follow his dreams within the music industry. He will be sadly missed by his family and his colleagues."