Inspiral Carpets founding member and drummer Craig Gill has died at the age of 44. The band broke the news in a statement posted on the band's official website and social media. The cause of death has not been announced.
Inspiral Carpets formed in 1983 and rose to fame during the Madchester scene. The band split in 1995, but had reformed several times since then. Their last studio record was released in 2014.
View the band's statement below along with tributes from Manchester music royalty below.
"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"
I've lost my partner in crime and partner in keeping time. RIP Craig Douglas Gill X pic.twitter.com/AiwAUML79B— Martyn Walsh (@martynwalsh) November 22, 2016
Stunned by the news of the death of Gilly my heart goes out to his family and band members LIVE FOREVER LG x— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) November 22, 2016
Craig Gill was 1 of happiest smiliest people I'd ever met in this business. Saw him not long ago his usual happy self, can't believe it. RIP
— Peter Hook (@peterhook) November 22, 2016
Shocked by the devastating news of Craig Gill passing away. Great bloke and a great player.— Mike Joyce (@mikejoycedrums) November 22, 2016
Sending all my love to @inspiralsband you'll be missed Craig. RIP my friend. Xx pic.twitter.com/RbJMhLQvIs— Paul Arthurs. (@BoneheadsPage) November 22, 2016
Love going out to @inspiralsband. So sad to hear that Craig 'Gilly' Gill has passed away. Thoughts are with his family today. Tim x x— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) November 22, 2016
RIP Craig Gill. BIG LOVE to his family and the band x
— Ian Brown (@ianbrown) November 22, 2016
Sad news to hear about sudden death of Craig Gill, drummer of Inspiral Carpets, knew him from my La's day's. Jp
— Cast (@castofficial) November 22, 2016
Absolutely gutted and shocked to hear of the passing of @CraigGillMMT. Massive love @inspiralsband and to Craig's family and friends XXX
— NORTHSIDE (Official) (@NORTHSIDE___) November 22, 2016
Just heard the sad, sad news about Gilly. We played in a band together + did some DJ nights. Great talent and a really lovely man R🌹P Gilly pic.twitter.com/Oxf9tIpBPK
— ROWETTA 🎤 (@Rowetta) November 22, 2016
Just heard the awful news about Craig Gill. Our love and thoughts go to his family, his friends and all Inspirals Fans ❤️x— Liam Fray (@What_Liam_Said) November 22, 2016
Published November 22nd, 2016