Late of the Pier's Ross Dawson Dies in "Sudden and Tragic Accident"

Ross Dawson pictured second from the right.

BY Alex HudsonPublished May 21, 2015

British dance-punk combo Late of the Pier have been inactive for several years, with member Sam Dust recently launching a solo project called La Priest. Sadly, Late of the Pier have now been struck by tragedy, as drummer Ross Dawson has died.

The sad news was announced by the musician's family, who issued a statement through the band's old label, Parlophone. The exact cause of death hasn't been revealed. The statement reads:

Our beloved Ross was involved in a very sudden and tragic accident on Friday night. Ross was the drummer in Late of the Pier who formed in 2005. As well as writing and playing his own material Ross was a drummer with many other successful artists including Misty Miller, Kai Fish and most recently Zibra. Ross was a monumental  force in the lives of everybody who knew him, multi-talented, modest, kind and generous; he loved and was loved by his family. The world has become a sadder place without him.  He will be eternally missed by all who knew and loved him.

Additionally, Parlophone/Warner Bros. exec Miles Leonard issued a statement on Dawson's passing. He said:

Late of the Pier were one of the most original, innovative and exciting artists I've ever worked with. Ahead of their time but with such a youthful outlook in both music and life. Although our time working together was relatively short, I shall remember Ross with great fondness and as a bright, personable and warm character. Sadly we have all lost a talented musician but his music will be with us forever. Our sincere condolences go to his friends and family.

Late of the Pier formed in 2005. They released just one album, 2008's Fantasy Black Channel, which was followed a couple of years later by the single "Blueberry"/"Best in the Class." They have been inactive since 2010.

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