Instead of finding a replacement act for the gigs, Blossoms opted to give friends, fans and family a final tribute to the band last night – by leaving the stage empty bar instruments, and playing Viola Beach’s last, half-hour live recording.
“This is our last song, it’s called Swings & Waterslides, thank you.” Nice one, Jack, Kris, River, Tom & Craig. ? pic.twitter.com/YBlB5YvPJh
— Peter Guy (@Getintothis) March 25, 2016
Awaiting @BlossomsBand. Touching set for Viola Beach @LivEchonews #violabeach #blossoms pic.twitter.com/I5heN4i4nW
— Joel Lewis (@JoelLewis12) March 25, 2016
Absolutely quality night well done lads @BlossomsBand ???? an a massive round of applause for viola beach RIP pic.twitter.com/cPhJFZZIM4
— Lewis Yorke (@Lewis_yorke1) March 25, 2016
Earlier, Blossoms’ Tom Ogden said “after what happened, we didn’t want to replace Viola Beach with anyone else.”
“It’s quite emotional and upsetting to watch, but celebratory as well. It feels like we’re doing a good thing.”
The gig marks Viola Beach’s last-ever scheduled show. It also serves as a fitting tribute to a band that, by all accounts, worked hard and played bloody well to achieve their place in the music scene.
RIP.