Inspiral Carpets have paid tribute after announcing the death of their drummer, Craig Gill. Liam Gallagher, Bonehead, Mike Joyce, Tim Burgess, Peter Hook and the world of music have also honoured him.
The ‘This Is How It Feels’ and ‘Dragging Me Down’ British alt-rock heroes took to Twitter to make the announcement that Gill had passed away, aged 44.
“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our drummer and close friend, Craig Gill,” said the band in a statement. “We are all absolutely devastated by the news. Craig was our brother.
“We were honoured to work alongside him for the last 30 years. To say we’ll miss him is an understatement.”
The band continued: “He was the beating heart of Inspirals in more ways that one. Our love and thoughts go out to all Craig’s family and friends, and especially his wife, Rose and their beautiful children Georgia, Orla and Levon.”
Band statement. pic.twitter.com/vIQ7XQSt1O
— Inspiral Carpets (@inspiralsband) November 22, 2016
I've lost my partner in crime and partner in keeping time. RIP Craig Douglas Gill X pic.twitter.com/AiwAUML79B
— Martyn Walsh (@martynwalsh) November 22, 2016
Formed by Clint Boon, Gill would join Inspiral Carpets at the age of just 14 in 1986. He played with the band throughout their 90s heyday and remained when the band reformed to tour and record their self-titled, final album in 2014.
Away from the band, Gill had successfully built up his own business, Manchester Music Tours – taking people on bus and walking tours around the iconic music locations of Manchester for the likes of The Smiths, Oasis, Joy Division, Stone Roses and many more.
Meanwhile, Liam Gallagher, Tim Burgess, members of Kaiser Chiefs and others from the world of music have also paid tribute:
https://twitter.com/liamgallagher/status/801035083591229440
Sending all my love to @inspiralsband you'll be missed Craig. RIP my friend. Xx pic.twitter.com/RbJMhLQvIs
— Paul Arthurs. (@BoneheadsPage) November 22, 2016
Craig Gill was 1 of happiest smiliest people I'd ever met in this business. Saw him not long ago his usual happy self, can't believe it. RIP
— Peter Hook (@peterhook) November 22, 2016
Father
Husband
Son
Brother
Friend x@CraigGillMMT @inspiralsband pic.twitter.com/8fJ6facE68— Stephen Holt (@StephenEHolt) November 22, 2016
Shocked by the devastating news of Craig Gill passing away. Great bloke and a great player.
— Mike Joyce (@mikejoycedrums) November 22, 2016
https://twitter.com/Rowetta/status/801050714894200832
Love going out to @inspiralsband. So sad to hear that Craig 'Gilly' Gill has passed away. Thoughts are with his family today. Tim x x
— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) November 22, 2016
RIP Gilly. Can't believe it. Great bloke and brilliant drummer. We'd be yapping on about bands for ages every time I saw him https://t.co/0nX7IlqQ6k
— Rick Lees (@ricklees) November 22, 2016
So sad to hear the passing of Craig Gill from the Inspiral Carpets
Sending love from Yorkshire to his family and friends.— Whiteykaiser (@WhiteyKaiser) November 22, 2016
So sad to hear about Craig Gill, our thoughts are with his family, friends and fellow musicians @inspiralsband @InspiralGraham
— The Carnabys (@TheCarnabysUK) November 22, 2016
Terrible news, sorry for your loss. RIP Craig Gill. @therealboon @InspiralGraham @StephenEHolt https://t.co/Us5bjI2nV7
— THE SLOW READERS CLUB (@slowreadersclub) November 22, 2016
Craig Gill, Inspiral Carpets, top, top man, we will miss you. https://t.co/B946m5sHBE
— Mute (@MuteUK) November 22, 2016
Shocked and sadened to hear Craig Gill from the Inspiral Carpets has passed away. RIP Craig, much love
— Keith Mullin/TheFarm (@KeithMullin) November 22, 2016