Town has lost a star in the making
Tributes to The Lapelles singer
East Kilbride has lost one of its most promising young music stars following the tragic death of Gary Watson.
The lead singer and guitarist of rising indie rock band The Lapelles drowned after falling into the River Clyde while on a night out on Saturday.
He was rescued from the water but died in hospital the following morning, on his 22nd birthday.
Gary, an only child, lived with his mum Linda in the Village. She was too distraught to speak to the News but a family member said Gary’s loved ones were stunned by the tragedy.
She said: “The whole family are devastated. Can’t take it in. Surreal and totally wrong.”
Police received reports of a man being in the water near to Glasgow Bridge, off Jamaica Street, at around 10pm on Saturday.
Medics battled to save him but he sadly died after
being taken to the city’s Royal Infirmary. Police are not treating the death as suspicious.
Gary’s devastated bandmates announced the heartbreaking news in a post on the band’s Facebook page. It read: “It’s with shock, heavy hearts and sadness that we have to let you know the news that Gary sadly passed away this morning as a result of injuries sustained in a tragic accident last night.
“Today [Sunday] was his 22nd birthday. We are lost for words and struggling to process such a tragedy. Gary was a creative force, a man who without his vision this band wouldn’t exist. We have lost a friend, a brother, a hero.
“At the moment it doesn’t seem real. We send our deepest condolences to Gary’s family and would appreciate your respect in allowing them & us some peace whilst we grieve. Forever in our hearts, with peace you go. X”
The Lapelles have enjoyed huge success in the last year supporting The Last Shadow Puppets, The View and The Kooks and this summer played King Tuts, T in the Park and the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival.
They were due to open for idols, and fellow East Kilbride rockers, The Jesus and Mary Chain at the O2 ABC in Glasgow on August 31 and were set to embark on a UK tour.
Recently signed to major London artist management agency Wildlife Entertainment, who represent the likes of the Arctic Monkeys and Royal Blood, the band were destined for stardom and the News understands were on the cusp of signing a dream record deal.
Gary, who worked in The Kittoch bar, regularly busked in EK town centre where many people got to know him.
Hundreds of moving tributes have been pouring in for the former Halfmerke Primary and Calderglen High pupil from shocked family and friends as well as some big names in the music industry.
Village Music boss Jamie Finn said: “Gary has been coming to the shop since he was a young child starting out on guitar, so I have had the privilege of seeing him develop and grow as a musician and artist. I always said he had this drive, commitment and aura – a
star in the making. He was also one of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet, a true gentleman, and an incredible talent.
“His passing will leave a huge void in the East Kilbride and Scottish music scene. It’s tragic we won’t get to see him realise his full potential. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with his mum, his bandmate brothers Jamie, Christopher, Jack and Leon, and each and every one of his friends.”
EK music promoter, musician and CamGlen Radio host Brian Byrne said: “The East Kilbride music scene is without a doubt a poorer place following the tragic death of The Lapelles lead singer Gary Watson. Over the last few years I have been lucky enough to put on some shows with his band at the Village Inn. I have been delighted to see his talent and their career go from strength to strength and have loved playing their new single on my wee show at CamGlen.”
Scots rockers Franz Ferdinand tweeted their condolences after hearing of the announcement on Facebook. They said: “We’re so sad to hear of the tragic passing of The Lapelles Gary Watson, a lovely, talented man. Thoughts are with his family, friends and band.”
The Lapelles manager Murray Curnow also paid tribute, saying: “I’m not sure any words will do justice to the loss many of us feel. Gary was an inspiration, an infectious character that channelled everything there is to be a nice, honest, well-rounded human being.
“Always a pleasure on the phone as he was in person, he made only but friends across his musical traverse. An extremely talented musician, songwriter and vocalist, his tragic loss today prevents a true talent being fully realised and recognised. My condolences and heart go out to Gary’s family, the band and his friends. I still can’t comprehend his loss.”
Watch a video of Gary performing backstage at TITP at eastkilbridenews.co.uk