Viola Beach reach number one spot with posthumous debut album

Viola Beach have claimed this week’s number one spot with their posthumous debut album.

The self-titled debut, released following their tragic death back in February, has shot straight to the top of the charts.

Released in the band’s memory by friends and family, Viola Beach features nine tracks including single Swings and Waterslides.

Vocalist Kris Leonard, guitarist River Reeves, bassist Tomas Lowe, drummer Jack Dakin and their manager Craig Tarry all lost their lives in a car crash in Sweden on their way back from a festival.

A statement released by their family read: “The tragedy that ended Craig, Jack, Kris, River & Tom's lives in Sweden and the pain and sense of loss will never leave us.

“By sending the Viola Beach album to number 1 the public have sent out an important message to the world.

“The tragic circumstance that met Viola Beach and their manager Craig that fateful night in Sweden will not now define their lives.”

It continued: “What will now define their lives and what they will be remembered for, forever, is the music they were so passionate about making together.

“For that, we will be eternally humbled and ever thankful to every single person who by buying this glorious album has invested in their lasting musical legacy.

“The pain will never leave us but neither will the affection shown by every fan. Maybe one day that affection will live longer in the memory than the pain. So from us all, a simple but heartfelt 'thank you’.”