Written by: Alex Green
Stereo Embers is sorry to report the death of former Late Of The Pier drummer Ross Dawson.
He was 27.
Details are few but Dawson’s family, through the now-defunct band’s former label, wrote:
“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.”
All that’s known now is that Dawson was involved in what his family described as a “…very sudden and tragic accident.”
Alex Kapranos of Franz Ferdinand tweeted the following message on the subject of Dawson’s passing:
Very sad to hear the terrible news about Ross Dawson of Late Of The Pier. One of the good guys.
— alex kapranos (@alkapranos) May 21, 2015
Hailing from Castle Donington, Late Of The Pier were a dance-punk outfit who got their start in 2004. Their debut album Fantasy Black Channel was released in 2008.
Miles Leonard, Chairman of Warner Bros. Records and Parlophone, added: “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 broke up in 2010.
Singer Sam Dust now releases music as La Priest, while Dawson played with Misty Miller, Kai Fish and most recently Zibra.
On their FB page, Late Of The Pier wrote: “Ross ‘Rouge Dog Consuela’ Dawson has joined great gig in the sky age 27. He was beyond a brother to us all and the most brilliant friend and musician we could ever have hoped to have known. There are no words to describe the loss. We love you Ross.”
