IT has been announced that Ross Dawson, the drummer for dance-punk band Late of The Pier, has died.
The news came after an announcement by Miles Leonard, the chairman of the bands former label Parlophone. Leonard said: “Late of the Pier were one of the most original, innovative and exciting artists I’ve ever worked with. Ahead of their time but with such a youthful outlook in both music and life. Although our time working together was relatively short, I shall remember Ross with great fondness and as a bright, personable and warm character. Sadly we have all lost a talented musician but his music will be with us forever. Our sincere condolences go to his friends and family.”
The cause of death is as yet unknown, but in a heartfelt statement Dawson’s family mentioned a recent sudden and tragic accident: “Our beloved Ross was involved in a very sudden and tragic accident on Friday night. Ross was the drummer in Late of the Pier who formed in 2005. As well as writing and playing his own material, Ross was a drummer with many other successful artists including Misty Miller, Kai Fish and most recently Zibra. Ross was a monumental force in the lives of everybody who knew him, multi-talented, modest, kind, and generous; he loved and was loved by his family. The world has become a sadder place without him. He will be eternally missed by all who knew and loved him.”
Late of the Pier’s first and last album, Fantasy Black Channel, came back in 2008 and garnered the band a cult following. Rumours of new material have persisted since but failed to materialise, with the band members instead turning their attention to other side projects.
