Viola Beach: Tributes To 'Talented' Musicians

Music stars have joined friends and family in paying tribute to five Britons killed hours after a gig in Sweden.

Viola Beach members Kris Leonard, River Reeves, Tomas Lowe and Jack Dakin died along with manager Craig Tarry when their vehicle crashed through a bridge barrier and plunged into a canal .

The Coral's James Skelly said: "So sorry to hear about viola beach and Craig tarry's accident so sad, their families must be devastated."

Ross Jarman of The Cribs said his "heart goes out to the Viola Beach guys and their families".

Billy Bragg tweeted: "Tragic news about Viola Beach. Young band, first tour outside the UK. My thoughts are with their families and friends."

And James Walsh, lead singer of Starsailor, said: "Lives and music tragically cut short in their prime."

Blossoms, the band Viola Beach were due to perform with in Guildford, Surrey, on Saturday night, tweeted a picture of the group and said they were "absolutely devastated".

Callum Bate, an engineer for Viola Beach, who were from Warrington in Cheshire, tweeted: "The boys from Viola Beach were the most hardworking and honest bunch of lads. So honoured to work with them for the past months. RIP boys X."

Photographer and friend Georgia Park faltered when she spoke Sky News. "I worked with them on the album... I... sorry, sorry about the words..." she said.

Describing them as "unique" she said: "They loved every second they played. Everyone knew they were going to make it big. They were going to be the next big thing."

She added: "They were such a talented, talented group."

Hundreds of friends and fans told of their sorrow on the Facebook page of the band, who released their debut single Swings and Waterslides last year and who many saw as rising stars.

Claire Langley wrote: "Shocked, saw them on Wednesday in Reading. My thoughts are with their families and friends, they we're brilliant and had an exciting future ahead of them."

David Christie wrote: "I cannot believe this news such a talented band that I feel was going to be massive. My heart goes out to you & your families."

Julie Gardener said: "Dreadful news! RIP and rock on wherever you are!!!"

And Joe Boreham wrote: "So very very said, please find the strength to support the families of these lovely lovely young men such a loss, R.I.P. and live on in the memories of your fan's, for in these memories you will live forever, peace and love to you all."