Inspiral Carpets star hanged himself after 25-yr tinnitus battle
THE drummer with Inspiral Carpets hanged himself after a 25-year battle with tinnitus, an inquest heard yesterday.
Craig Gill, 44, had difficulties sleeping because of the ringing in his ears and suffered anxiety.
The dad of three was found hanged from his bedroom door by wife Rosie at home in Oldham, Greater Manchester last November.
The band formed in 1983 by Graham Lambert and Stephen Holt were an influential part of the “Madchester” music scene.
Liam Gallagher joined a host of stars from the music world at the funeral last December. Mrs Gill told the Heywood inquest: “Craig was a family man, funny, loyal and caring. He was a very hands-on dad and the pillar of the community.
“But Craig suffered from tinnitus from around 19. It had graduated up to the last three years when he got quite severe with it. A few weeks before his death it escalated.” She added: “Craig’s death came as a complete shock. He wasn’t somebody we had concerns around.”
Det Insp Ian Harratt, of Greater Manchester Police, said: “There was no note. It appears to be completely out of the blue.”
Coroner Joanne Kearsley told Mrs Gill: “One real question you want me to answer and I just can’t, why this happened. There’s nothing to suggest any history of self harm, suicidal ideation, no evidence of drug or alcohol use.
“I hope you can take some comfort from knowing Craig was one of the most influential musicians of a generation.”
Verdict: Open.