Tributes pour in as pop star dies in river tragedy
THE talented frontman of an up-and-coming Scottish band died in a tragic river accident on the eve of his 22nd birthday.
Tributes were last night paid to Gary Watson, lead singer and guitarist of The Lapelles, who died after falling into the Clyde.
The Lapelles, from East Kilbride, Lanarkshire, were a promising band who had supported the likes of The Kooks and The Last Shadow Puppets and recently played at Belladrum and T in the Park music festivals.
Mr Watson is believed to have been out with friends in Glasgow city centre on Saturday night, when he plunged into the river, near the Glasgow Bridge, around 10pm.
Police and emergency services were called to the scene and pulled him from the water.
He was taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary, where he died on Sunday morning. Police confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious.
The band took to Facebook to reveal the sad news, posting a message to fans which 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 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 and us some peace whilst we grieve.
‘Forever in our hearts, with peace you go.’
Angela Killen Watson, believed to be a family member of Mr Watson’s, wrote: ‘Thank you to The Lapelles for posting this. It’s absolutely devastating and it’s his birthday as well.
‘The whole family are devastated. Can’t take it in. Surreal and totally wrong.’
The band Franz Ferdinand took to Twitter to pay tribute to the rising star, writing: ‘We’re so sad to hear of the tragic passing of @TheLapelles Gary Watson, a lovely, talented man. Thoughts are with his family, friends & band.’
The Lapelles replied to Franz Ferdinand’s message, saying it would have ‘meant the world’ to Mr Watson.
Dundee band Model Aeroplanes wrote: ‘It’s always tragic when the world loses somebody so young and so talented. We all here are saddened at the loss of Gary Watson.’
Music venue The Barrowlands posted: ‘We’re very sad to hear the news about Gary from @TheLapelles. Our thoughts are with his friends, band and family.’
Friend Jade Robertson wrote: ‘I’m devastated that we’ve lost such a brilliant, talented, and all round fantastic guy. RIP Big Man! I’ll never forget the impact you’ve had on my life.’
The band, made up of Mr Watson, Chris Ballantyne, Leon Green, Jack Anderson and Jamie Holmes, were due to begin a UK tour in October.
Mr Watson began his music career aged 16, busking in East Kilbride Shopping Centre, where only a handful of shoppers would stop to hear his acoustic covers.
The band formed in 2012, when Mr Watson, then aged 18, decided he wanted to try song-writing.
From there they went from strength to strength, going on to support many of their indie idols.
In an interview in July, Mr Watson said he ‘never imagined’ doing anything other than playing music.
His family were not available for comment last night.