Viola Beach‘s debut album has hit No.1 on the UK’s Official Albums Chart.
In February this year, the four members of the Warrington band and their manager were tragically killed when their car fell from a highway bridge into a canal in Stockholm.
In memory of vocalist Kris Leonard, guitarist River Reeves, bassist Tomas Lowe, drummer Jack Dakin and their manager Craig Tarry, the families and friends of the group have released the band’s self-titled collection – which has won widespread support from both fans and the likes of Coldplay.
Today, it officially claims the top spot on the UK chart. The families of the band and their manager said in a statement:
“The tragedy that ended Craig, Jack, Kris, River & Tom’s lives in Sweden and the pain and sense of loss will never leave us.
“By sending the Viola Beach album to number 1 the public have sent out an important message to the world.
“The tragic circumstance that met Viola Beach and their manager Craig that fateful night in Sweden will not now define their lives. What will now define their lives and what they will be remembered for, forever, is the music they were so passionate about making together.
“The tragic circumstance that met viola beach and their manager craig… will not now define their lives. What will now define their lives and what they will be remembered for, forever, is the music they were so passionate about making together.”
The families of Viola Beach
“For that, we will be eternally humbled and ever thankful to every single person who by buying this glorious album has invested in their lasting musical legacy. The pain will never leave us but neither will the affection shown by every fan. Maybe one day that affection will live longer in the memory than the pain.
So from us all, a simple but heartfelt ‘thank you’.”
Martin Talbot, Chief Executive, Official Charts Company said:
“It is hard to think of an album which more people were rooting for than the Viola Beach release – nor a success which has felt so bitter-sweet.
“We (and the wider music community) are delighted that it has taken the number 1 spot – but it is an awful tragedy that Jack, Kris, River, Tomas and Craig are not here to see themselves take a place in the annals of British music.”
Viola Beach’s album features nine songs, including the track Swings and Waterslides, which entered the Official Singles Chart at Number 11 following the news of their untimely deaths.
Since then, a number of acts have paid tribute to the band, including Coldplay’s performance of their track Boys That Sing during their headline slot at Glastonbury in June.
Rounding out the Official UK Top 5 today (August 5) are last week’s Number 1 from ELO, All Over The World (2), Christine and The Queens‘ Chaleur Humaine at 3, Drake‘s Views at 4 and Adele’s 25 at 5.Music Business Worldwide
