Jack Dakin of Viola Beach performing in London in January 2016 (Photo: Alberto Pezzali for Live4ever Media)
The ongoing South By Southwest Festival stopped to remember Viola Beach yesterday (March 16th) during BBC Introducing’s showcase at the annual British Music Embassy base of Latitude 30.
The band had been due in Austin for SXSW this year and would have performed for BBC Introducing but for the tragic car accident in Sweden last month which claimed the lives of bandmates Kris Leonard, River Reeves, Tomas Lowe and Jack Dakin, along with their manager Craig Tarry.
“There were due to be six,” BBC 6Music DL Steve Lamacq told the audience (via NME). “But, for reasons some of you will know, there are only five. We were due to be joined by Viola Beach. Everyone genuinely believed they were a band for whom success was a certainty.”
“Sadly, only a few weeks ago, on their way back from their first proper festival in Sweden, the band were involved in an accident. The band and their manager lost their lives.”
“We wanted to pay tribute to the band and to everyone who supported them. We wanted to bring their memory to SXSW. While we mourn the lads, let’s celebrate what they achieved in their short time together.”
A video montage was then played, featuring live clips, interviews and tributes, all soundtracked by the late band’s performance of ‘Boys That Sing‘ in session at Maida Vale studios.