Both members of Liverpool duo Her’s and their tour manager have died in a car accident in the US.
Stephen Fitzpatrick and Audun Laading were on their way to a gig in California earlier this week, along with their road manager Trevor Engelbrektson, but were killed after being involved in a crash.
Their label, Heist Or Hit, explained in a Facebook post that the group “passed away in a road accident in the early hours of Wednesday, 27th March whilst travelling to a show in Santa Ana, California.”
In a statement, they said: “We are all heartbroken. Their energy, vibrancy and talent came to define our label.
“As humans, they were warm, gentle and hilarious. Each time they stopped by the office made for an uplifting experience.To say they were close would be an underestimation of a friendship that was genuinely beautiful to witness; they loved one another like brothers.
“Musically, Her’s were astonishing. An aptitude for melody, fun, and entertainment combined with a complexity that was as sophisticated as it was stylish.”
The label added: “They were in America playing to thousands of adoring fans. Fans they made a point of meeting and spending time with, such was their passion and humbleness. The world was at their feet.”
Her’s released their debut studio album, Invitation To Her’s, in September 2018, and had been in the US to promote it, including an appearance at this year’s SXSW festival.
The duo had previously been named Ones To Watch by The Guardian last year, as well as being covered by music outlets including NME and The Fader, and featured on the BBC’s Introducing section.