Kris Leonard was born on June 2, 1996 in England. From a young age, he showed a passion for music and performing. He started playing the guitar and singing at a very young age, honing his skills and developing his own unique sound.
As he grew older, Leonard decided to pursue a career in music. He formed a band with some friends, and they started playing gigs around their hometown. While the band went through various lineup changes, Leonard remained the constant force driving their music forward.
In May 2015, Leonard's band, Viola Beach, finally solidified their lineup and started gaining traction in the music scene. They caught the attention of BBC Introducing, who featured their music on their platform. This exposure helped propel Viola Beach into the spotlight, and they started gaining a following of loyal fans.
Leonard's talent as a singer and guitarist shone through in Viola Beach's music. His soulful vocals and catchy guitar riffs helped set the band apart from their peers. People were drawn to Leonard's charismatic stage presence and infectious energy.
Unfortunately, Leonard's promising career was cut short in February 2016. While on tour with his bandmates and manager, their car tragically fell off a bridge into a river. The entire band, including Leonard, lost their lives in the accident. The music world was shocked and devastated by the loss of such talented young musicians.
The deaths of the Viola Beach members sparked an outpouring of grief and support from fans and fellow musicians alike. Tributes poured in from all corners of the globe, showcasing the impact that Leonard and his bandmates had on the music community.
Despite the tragic end to Leonard's life, his legacy lives on through the music of Viola Beach. Their single "Swings & Waterslides" received a surge in popularity following the accident, peaking at number 11 on the charts. The campaign to get their music recognized was a testament to the impact that Leonard and his bandmates had on the music industry.
Leonard is survived by his mother Lisa and sister Charlotte. His family continues to honor his memory and the music that he created with Viola Beach. His talent and passion for music will forever be remembered by those who were touched by his music.
Liam Gallagher of Oasis was one of the many musicians who showed their support for the "Swings & Waterslides" campaign. His endorsement helped bring even more attention to Viola Beach's music and the tragic loss of Leonard and his bandmates.