Frankie and The Heartstrings reveal drummer Dave Harper has died

Earlier today (26 August) Frankie and The Heartstrings, who formed in 2008 and released their third album Decency in 2015, announced that their drummer "passed away in hospital last night".

The band wrote on Twitter, "We are desperately sad to announce that our dearest friend and drummer Dave Harper passed away in hospital last night. Where do we even start to describe what kind of person he was and what he meant to so many. This legend was unforgettable and we’re heartbroken over this loss."

We are desperately sad to announce that our dearest friend and drummer Dave Harper passed away in hospital last night. Where do we even start to describe what kind of person he was and what he meant to so many. This legend was unforgettable and we’re heartbroken over this loss pic.twitter.com/7gB7BwSqMD

— Frankie Heartstrings (@FrankieStrings) August 26, 2021

Gruff Rhys, Dutch Uncles, Huw Stephens, The Cribs, Nadine Shah and more have paid tribute.

So sorry to hear this - sending you all, all the best - hard to imagine a world without his enthusiasm and passion, I’ve never met anyone like him

— Gruff Rhys (@gruffingtonpost) August 26, 2021

RIP Dave x pic.twitter.com/cdtPeAewpI

— Dutch Uncles (@dutchuncles) August 26, 2021

So sorry to hear of your loss. What a special, brilliant man. X

— Huw Stephens (@huwstephens) August 26, 2021

Message from the band, regarding the wonderful Dave Harper. Sending all of our love to @FrankieStrings, Ruth, and Dave’s family pic.twitter.com/o6OVAgqAbQ

— The Cribs (@thecribs) August 26, 2021

I’ve just heard the news about the passing of Dave Harper. Am totally devastated. Dave was so incredibly funny, always giving me shit. I loved him. He was an incredible man and did so much for the Sunderland music scene. RIP buddy

— Nadine Shah (@nadineshah) August 26, 2021