Viola Beach music: British band in Sweden canal crash had released three songs and were 'incredibly promising'
The band had their big break playing Reading and Leeds festival for the BBC
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
Tragically, all four members of up-and-coming indie favourites Viola Beach and their manager are believed to be dead following a car crash in Sweden.
The band were set for big things in the future, having played storming sets at the likes of Reading and Leeds festival, and with dates booked at Kendall Calling and SXSW.
According to BBC 1 DJ Hugh Stephens, they were “incredibly promising”, having released three singles, including the hit “Swings & Waterslides” which debuted last year and gained over a million plays on Spotify and Soundcloud.
The four-piece had played several BBC Introducing sets, including one at Maida Vale, the result of which was a large number of record labels seeking to sign them.
Other songs released by the band include “Cherry Vimpto” and the upcoming single “Boys That Sing” through Mumford and Sons’ Communion, which also homes Catfish and the Bottlemen and Bear’s Den. Listen to the three tracks below.
The band were on their first European tour when their vehicle plunged more than 25m (82ft) from a highway bridge into a canal after it veered off a bridge, hit a road barrier and landed in a canal. Fans have since paid tribute to the band on social networks. Read the latest here.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments