Carpets drummer Gill death stuns music world

WELL RESPECTED . . . Inspirals' drummer Craig Gill

THOUSANDS of tributes have been paid to Craig Gill, legendary drummer with Oldham stars the Inspiral Carpets, who has died aged just 44.

Gill was described by the band's keyboard player Clint Boon as "the beating heart of the Inspirals in more ways than one."

Fellow band members Boon, Graham Lambert, Martyn Walsh and Stephen Holt put out a joint statement confirming Gill's untimely death, on the band's Facebook and Twitter accounts.

The music world has been left stunned by the sudden death of the Greenfield-based musician, who is believed to have passed away on Sunday.

The joint statement 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."

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

The Inspirals were taking 2016 off following the success of last year with their nationwide tour alongside Shed 7.

Their hits include This Is How It Feels, Saturn 5, She Comes In The Fall and Dragging Me Down.

Music historian Gill, who also led music-themed tours around Greater Manchester, was most recently involved in bringing live music back to nightclub Tokyo Oldham alongside DJ Zak Thompson.

The club will hold a donation collection for the drummer at their next event which Gill was scheduled to DJ.

Oasis lead singer Liam Gallagher was one of hundreds of musicians to post on social media about the sad loss.

He said: "Stunned by the news of the death of Gilly.

"My heart goes out to his family and band members LIVE FOREVER LG x."

Tim Burgess said: "Love going out to Inspirals.

"So sad to hear that Craig 'Gilly' Gill has passed away. Thoughts are with his family today."

Joy Divison bassist Peter Hook said: "Craig Gill was one of happiest smiliest people I'd ever met in this business."

Craig leaves a widow Rose and children Georgia, Orla and Levon.