Photo: Press
Kiss' Gene Simmons has led tributes to Rock School's Lil' Chris, who has died at the age of 24.
Lil' Chris, real name Chris Hardman, rose to fame on the Channel 4 documentary series Rock School, which saw Simmons create a rock band from secondary school pupils. Hardman became the most high-profile participant, releasing his own successful single 'Checkin' It Out'.
The singer was found dead on Monday in Lowestoft. Police are not treating the death as suspicious, and a post-mortem is due to take place. Simmons led the tributes to Hardman on Twitter yesterday.
Sad to report Lil Chris from the Gene Simmons Rock School TV show, has passed on. He was loved. RIP, Lil Chris. pic.twitter.com/ODlHs1bX6y
— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) March 24, 2015
The Darkness' Justin Hawkins, Dynamo, Caroline Flack and McFly's Harry Judd, Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher were also among the many high-profile musicians and celebrities to pay their respects to Lil' Chris. Some of the tweets reference the singer's public battle with depression, though the cause of his death is still unknown.
I was so sad to read about proud Lowestoftian Lil Chris. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this awful time. RIP @CJHardman
— Justin Hawkins (@JustinHawkins) March 24, 2015
Shocked and saddened to hear the news about Lil' Chris. He supported us a while back and was a little star and an awesome guy. #RIPChris
— Harry Judd (@mcflyharry) March 24, 2015
Devastated to hear about @CJHardman My thoughts are with his family. We lost a talented dude! #RIPChris
— Danny Jones (@itsDannyJones) March 24, 2015
Can't tell you how absolutely tragic it is to hear about Chris. Such a sweet, lovely dude. So shocked and sad. #RIPCJHardman
— Tom Fletcher (@tommcfly) March 24, 2015
RIP Chris Hardman aka lil Chris :( only 24 years old so sad!
— Dynamo (@Dynamomagician) March 24, 2015
Can't believe the sad news about lil Chris. We worked with him a few years ago and he was a lovely young lad..taken too soon. Mark #ripchris
— Sam & Mark (@samandmarktv) March 24, 2015
Im so sad at the news of Lil Chris. He became a friend after working with him on Loserville. Love and peace to the nicest guy you could meet
— Gareth Gates (@Gareth_Gates) March 24, 2015
RIP Lil Chris. Proving again that depression among young people should be taken more seriously.
— BriBry (@BriBryOnTour) March 24, 2015
Oh my god . Lil Chris . He was a regular guest on TMI. Always always such a polite lovely guy . That's so sad 😢
— caroline flack (@carolineflack1) March 24, 2015
Depression is a silent killer, speak out, tell someone how you feel. Sometimes just talking can go a long way. RIP Lil Chris.
— Connor Schofield (@connorpizza) March 24, 2015
RIP Lil Chris @CJHardman I love & miss you. Such a lovely & talented guy xxx pic.twitter.com/QSxroImO00
— Gabz (@GabzOfficial) March 24, 2015
RIP Lil Chris :(
— MarkusFeehily (@MarkusFeehily) March 24, 2015
I toured with Lil Chris and it saddens me he has gone... Lovely down to earth lad... Where ever you are be happy and keep singing mate ❤️❤️
— Jake Quickenden (@JakeQuickenden) March 24, 2015
Lil' Chris was in the midst of working on a new album, but he tweeted at the start of this month to say he was considering quitting music, because "I'm just not good enough."
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