Viola Beach posthumous debut album now available on Vinyl

Warrington's rising band was killed in car crash in 2016

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Viola Beach’s self-titled debut album is available on vinyl for the first time via Fuller Beans Records, the label founded by the band and their manager Craig Tarry. The album was originally released posthumously after the band’s tragic accident in February 2016. The vinyl is rainbow coloured, commemorating the band’s iconic umbrella photograph. The vinyl album can be ordered here*.

The band’s families comment:

I would like to thank SJM and other organisations for the continued support we as families have received.  I am very proud that the Boys album is released on Vinyl. I’m sure Kristian would have been too. Kris and the boys’ lives will continue through their music.

Lisa Leonard

The family of Tom would like to thank everyone at SJM & Communion Records who have made this re-release possible and to everybody out there who has listened to their music over the past 5 years. As a family we are immensely proud of Tom and the re-release of the albums is a lasting tribute to the boy’s passion, music and friendship.

The Lowe Family

Thank you so much to all of those who have made this rainbow of dreams wrapped up in vinyl possible. The boys would be proud and humbled.

Jo and Loren Dakin

The continued support from the music industry is overwhelming. Being a family of vinyl collectors, Craig would love that the album is released on vinyl. We’re so proud of him, Kris, Jack, Tom & River and always will be.

Colin, Diane & Sarah Tarry

Viola Beach – Band & manager die in tragic car accident

Update from Feb 12 2021: A cover of Swings & Waterslides, the band’s debut single, to mark five years since the band’s deaths has been recorded and released by a collective of Warrington musicians including members of The Ks and The A.V Club. All streaming and purchase revenue goes to charity. Check it out below.

Update from Feb 13 2020: 4 years ago, all members of up and coming indie rock band Viola Beach and their manager Craig Tarry died in a car crash in Sweden on 13 February 2016. To commemorate the band, this year’s Neighbourhood Weekender (taking place in the band’s hometown of Warrington) will host the Viola Beach stage, where Lauran Hibberd, Cassia and The Orielles will perform among others.

Following the tragic passing of Viola Beach and their manager Craig Tarry, a campaign is being driven by friends and family to propel the Warrington band’s debut single Swings and Waterslides up the charts with the intent of sharing the band’s music with a wider audience of future fans. The track is currently sitting at number 4 in the UK iTunes charts.

Their label, Communion Records, has also issued a statement saying that all single proceeds of their recent single Boys That Sing will go to their families. The 7″ has already sold out but the single is of course available from digital retailers.

Viola Beach live at Koko, London (29th January 2016)

Ever since the news about their tragic and untimely death spread, Viola Beach have been covered by international media. While their fatal accident must be devastating for their friends and families, the media have proclaimed them “the next big thing” posthumously. It is fair to say, that none of those magazines would have picked up on the band any time soon were it not for their fatal accident.

I haven’t had the chance to meet the boys who were set to open for Blossoms on their current UK tour, and still their deaths have shocked me. Yet it also saddens me that in order get noticed on a large scale, a band either needs to get extremely lucky and find the right label to back them or pass away before their prime.

While the story of Viola Beach is tragic beyond words, this is a chance not just to buy their music and give them the attention their deserve but also to pay more attention to the large number of other young bands out there trying to make it. Go out there, buy their music, go to their shows, support your local scene.

Viola Beach – Swings and Waterslides (Maida Vale Session)

Swings and Waterslides cover by Warrington Music

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Deborah Jacobs

Music blogger by night, SEO by day. Started Indie is not a Genre in 2011, will always prefer live music over recordings and intimate pub gigs over arena shows.



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