Adam Schlesinger death: Tom Hanks pays tribute after Fountains of Wayne star dies of coronavirus
Musician wrote Oscar-nominated title track of Hanks’ 1996 film ‘That Thing You Do’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Tom Hanks has led the tributes to Adam Schlesinger, the Fountains of Wayne star who died of coronavirus aged 52.
The actor, who tested positive for the illness weeks ago, worked with the bass player in 1996 when his song was picked as the title track from That Thing You Do!, which Hanks directed.
Schlesinger, who also co-wrote Fountains of Wayne’s biggest song “Stacy’s Mom” as well as “criminally underrated” tracks for 2007 romantic comedy Music & Lyrics, provided backup vocals for the track.
“That Thing You Do!” is the song sung by fictional 1960s band The Wonders. It was nominated for Best Original Song but lost out to Madonna’s “You Must Love Me” from Evita.
Following news of Schlesinger’s death, Hanks wrote on Twitter: “He was a One-der. Lost him to Covid-19. Terribly sad today. Hanx”
He attributed the success of his film and television production company Playtone to the songwriter, adding: “There would be no Playtone without Adam Schlesinger, without his ‘That Thing You Do!’”
A statement from Schlesinger’s family on Tuesday said he was in hospital in New York fighting Covid-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus.
It was Chris Carrabba, from the band Dashboard Confessional, who confirmed his death.
“I am grasping for the right words” he tweeted. “My dear friend Adam Schlesinger has passed away from COVID-19.”
Carrabba added: “I knew him best as a mentor, and a friend. We must take this seriously. People are sick and dying. It is hard to stay locked indoors but lives will be saved. Take care of each other. Rest In Peace, my dear friend.”
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
Other stars to pay tribute include Crazy Ex-Girlfriend creator Aline Brosh McKenna and singer Nicole Atkins.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments