HUDDERSFIELD heavy metal band Evile are in mourning after the shock death of their bass player Mike Alexander.
Mr Alexander, 32, fell ill on Monday in Lulea, Sweden, just days into the band’s month-long European tour. He was rushed to hospital but could not be saved.
The band had been supporting top metal bands Amon Amarth and Entombed.
A spokesman for the band’s record label Earache said it was thought the London-born bass player had suffered a blood clot and there was no suspicion of any foul play.
Evile have now suspended their tour to return to Huddersfield.
The band’s members, Meltham-born brothers Matt and Ol Drake and Ben Carter released the following joint statement.
“It is so hard to find the words to express fully how we feel.
“We can’t believe or accept what’s happened. One minute we’re talking to our buddy, Mike, the next minute we can never speak to him again.
“There are so many things rushing through our heads that we want to say, do and feel. We can’t get our heads around it.
“It upsets us so much that he was away from his family when this happened, although knowing Mike, we’re at least glad he was on tour doing what he loves.
“We’re lost for words. We all miss him so much already.
“He was such a headstrong, genuinely nice guy who loved music and his family. We’ve got so many brilliant memories with him.
“Our hearts go out to his daughter, family and friends at this tragic, difficult time.
“Mike is much loved and is sorely missed. Rest in peace, brother.”
Evile, one of the only signed bands from Huddersfield, had recently been featured in top heavy metal magazine Metal Hammer to mark last month’s release of their critically acclaimed second album Infected Nations.
Mr Alexander, who was one of the founding members of the band in 2004, had moved to the region from East London after answering an advert for a bassist in a guitar store.
The band, who were signed in 2006, had toured with world famous thrash outfit Megadeth in 2007.
Their first album, Enter The Grave, was produced by Flemming Rasmussen co-producer of early Metallica albums Ride The Lightening, Master of Puppets and ...And Justice For All.
Popular among his peers in the Huddersfield music scene, Alexander’s sudden death has generated many tributes on music websites and Facebook.
