Death of Inspiral Carpets drummer

Craig Gill

THE music world has been stunned by the sudden death of Greenfield-based Craig Gill, drummer with legendary Oldham band the Inspiral Carpets.

Craig (44) is believed to have passed away on Sunday.

A joint statement has been posted on the band's Facebook and Twitter pages.

It read: "It's with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our drummer and close friend, Craig Gill.

"We are all absolutely devastated by the news. Craig was our brother. We were honoured to work alongside him for the last 30 years.

"To say we'll miss him is an understatement. He was the beating heart of the Inspirals in more ways than one.

"Our love and thoughts go out to all Craig's family and friends and especially his wife, Rose and their beautiful children, Georgia, Orla and Levon. xxx Clint, Graham, Martyn, Stephen."

Fellow Oldhamers and still current members Graham Lambert and Stephen Holt were founder members of the Inspirals in 1983, and Craig was drafted in shortly after.

The Inspirals came to prominence, alongside bands like The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays, in the 'Madchester' scene of the late 1980s, and went on to enjoy a number of Top 40 hits during the 1990s.