Rainbow vinyl edition of Viola Beach album to be released

The record will come out on October 22 and be rainbow-coloured as a nod to the rainbow umbrellas that the band were associated with before their tragic deaths in February 2016. Their devoted Woolston manager Craig Tarry also lost his life.

Viola Beach’s posthumous album – featuring Swings and Waterslides and Boys That Sing – topped the charts in August 2016.

This special version is to mark five years since the release and is ‘the first, and probably only time a vinyl edition of the album will be made available’.

The vinyl record is being made with support from SJM Concerts and Communion Records, who the band signed a deal with shortly before their deaths.

But it is being released through Fuller Bean Records, the label set up by the band and their manager themselves.

Lisa Leonard, mum of frontman Kris Leonard, said: “I would like to thank SJM Concerts and other organisations for the continued support we as families have received.

“I am very proud that the boys’ album will be released on vinyl.

“I’m sure Kristian would of been too. Kris and the boys lives will continue through their music.”

The family of bassist Tom Lowe said: “We would like to thank everyone at SJM and Communion Records who have made this re-release possible and to everybody out there who have listened to their music over the past five years.

The rainbow vinyl edition of the record

“As a family we are immensely proud of Tom and the re-release of the album is a lasting tribute to the boys’ passion, music and friendship.”

Drummer Jack Dakin’s mum and sister, Jo and Loren Dakin, said: “Thank you so much to all of those who have made this rainbow of dreams wrapped up in vinyl possible. The boys would be proud and humbled.”

Colin, Diane and Sarah Tarry said the continued support from the music industry for Viola Beach and Craig has been overwhelming.

They said: “Being a family of vinyl collectors, Craig would love that the album is being released on vinyl.

“We’re so proud of him, Kris, Jack, Tom and River and always will be.”

Ben and Sharon Dunne, guitarist River Reeves’ dad and stepmum, added: “River Reeves’ family both in Penzance and Warrington would like to thank all at SJM and Communion Records who have made this special re-release possible.

“Our most precious memories are of River making music and performing. We want the world to know that through the music, River along with his bandmates and manager will continue to live on in all our lives.

“Let’s get it back up the charts where it belongs.”

There was a huge outpouring of love and support for Viola Beach’s music in the days after their deaths.

It started with a Warrington Guardian-backed social media campaign to get their self-produced single, Swings and Waterslides, to the top of the charts.

It drew support from the likes of Liam Gallagher, Kasabian and The Stone Roses.