Following the tragic news about Tomas, Jack, River and Kristian at the weekend, Priestley Principal Matthew Grant has paid this tribute to our former students who made up the band Viola Beach.
“Governors, staff, students, past and present, and the wider Priestley College community are all devastated by the tragic news.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and everyone who knew and loved Tomas, Jack, River and Kristian.
They had bright futures and were certainly set to make a name for themselves in the world of music with a talent that had already impressed influential figures within the industry.
It is a great loss that will be impacting on so many people across Warrington. Over the next couple of weeks the Priestley community will come together to consider the best ways to mark their passing.”
Music tutor Michael Grainger, who taught River and Kristian, added: “Both River and Kris were spontaneous musicians who brought a fantastic energy and enthusiasm to all of their performances. They took each song that they performed as part of the course and made it their own.
They were both friendly and warm characters who were loved and respected by all of their classmates and tutors. Both had a great sense of humour and brought a sense of fun and enjoyment to all of their classes.”
