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The Holloways frontman Alfie Jackson has paid a moving tribute to late guitarist Rob Skipper, who passed away earlier this month.
While the cause of Skipper's death remains unknown to the public, it emerged that the talented 28-year-old had died when confirmed by the band's booking agent on 3 October.
Now, friend and former bandmate Alfie Jackson has spoken of his tragic death in a moving statement:
"A week ago I found out we'd lost Rob, a brother and a friend... we shared the most intense years of our life... he was an inspiration and a light that should still be shining... his music and his spirit will live forever... but it still hurts and I am sad and angry."
"The last time I was at 93 Feet East was with Rob and we were all wearing bras for breast cancer awareness. So before the gig it all hit me... and on stage it hit me even more, so I told the story of the last time we were on this stage together and demanded a bra... I wanted to re-live that moment and a girl gave me her bra - it might seem silly to some people; but although it seemed silly, it was incredibly poignant for me."
"The Holloways were equally poignant and silly; just as life can be all things at once... things are always juxtaposed... life is tragic and comedy so often... at the end of the gig the anger kicked in as the music and passion took over along with my emotions for Rob, so my guitar got thrown across the stage and I kinda stormed off... I was just overwhelmed you know... he should still be here."
A host of Oither artists including Theo Hutchcraft from Hurts, The Pigeon Detectives and Luke Pritchard of The Kooks have all shared memories of Skipper, whilst other prominent figures from the industry have also paid tribute to the musician.
Read through the tributes below:
So sad to hear the news about Rob Skipper. Only fond memories from touring with The Holloway's in the early days. Always smiling! RIP Skip x
— Pigeon Detectives (@pigeonsofficial) October 3, 2014
RIP Rob Skipper... http://t.co/youLPz2Q2u
— Theo Hutchcraft (@theohurts) October 3, 2014
A dear friend of ours rob skipper has passed away. So unbelievably sad, such great memories of playing and touring together. RIP brother
— luke pritchard (@lukekook) October 3, 2014
Skipper was a founding member and guitarist of The Holloways, who released two albums in 2006 and 2009, he also formed side-project Rob Skipper & The Musical Differences in 2008.
