Ten years have passed since a devastating tragedy silenced the rising stars of Viola Beach. The Warrington-formed indie band – Kris Leonard, River Reeves, Tomas Lowe, and Jack Dakin – along with their manager Craig Tarry, perished in a heartbreaking accident in Sweden on February 13, 2016.
They were on the cusp of something extraordinary, having just played their first international show at the Where’s the Music? Festival in Norrköping. The excitement of a European tour filled the air as they travelled towards Arlanda Airport in the early hours, unaware of the unimaginable fate that awaited them.
Their vehicle left the road, plunging from a bridge into the Södertälje Canal. The Swedish investigation deemed the circumstances “completely inexplicable,” while a UK inquest concluded it was a tragic road traffic collision. The young band members – Leonard, Reeves, and Dakin were just 19, Lowe was 27, and Tarry 33 – were lost in an instant.
Initial reports indicated bassist Tomas Lowe briefly survived the impact before succumbing to the icy water. The others tragically died from their injuries on impact. The driver, Craig Tarry, bore the weight of a moment that altered countless lives forever.
Today, a wave of remembrance washes over fans and the music community. The band’s official pages shared a poignant tribute, a simple message echoing the sentiments of thousands: “It’s 10 years today since we lost Kris, River, Tom, Jack & Craig. They’re forever in our hearts. Never to be forgotten.”
Social media platforms are filled with heartfelt tributes, recalling the band’s infectious energy and undeniable talent. Fans share memories of dancing to “Swings & Waterslides,” a song that unexpectedly climbed the charts to number 11 after their deaths, becoming a symbol of their enduring legacy.
Viola Beach’s self-titled album, released posthumously in July 2016, reached number one in the UK, a testament to the outpouring of love and support. Their music, a vibrant snapshot of youthful ambition, continues to resonate with listeners, influencing a new generation of artists.
The tragedy sparked an incredible wave of support from established musicians. Liam Gallagher and Ian Brown championed a campaign to boost the band’s record sales, donating proceeds to the families. A star-studded tribute concert at Warrington’s Parr Hall featured performances by The Kooks, The Courteeners, and Coldplay, who covered “Boys That Sing” at Glastonbury.
A new tribute installation now graces Warrington’s Golden Square, a striking ‘V’ shape constructed from rainbow umbrellas – a nod to a photoshoot that became iconic in the wake of their loss. It stands as a permanent reminder of the band’s connection to their hometown and the enduring spirit they embodied.
Ian Piers Dakin, the father of drummer Jack, recently spoke publicly for the first time, admitting the pain of the loss remains as raw as ever. He carries a permanent reminder of his son, having had his ashes incorporated into a tattoo depicting Jack’s portrait.
River Reeves’ father, Ben Dunne, shared a touching story of his son’s unwavering belief in their potential. Despite initial reservations about River leaving university, Dunne was ultimately convinced by the power of their music, particularly the song “Boys That Sing.” “Dare to dream, Riv; go and do it,” he recalled telling his son.
Viola Beach’s story is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring power of music. Though their journey was tragically cut short, their melodies continue to inspire, their spirit lives on, and their legacy will never be forgotten.
