News has broken that Carl Bevan, drummer of Britpop band 60 Ft. Dolls, has died aged 51.
The musician rose to fame during the 1990s as part of the UK punk band 60 Ft. Dolls. The band famously supported huge artists including Oasis and Sex Pistols, and took to the stage at Glastonbury Festival before their split in 1998.
News of his passing was shared by his partner Bev, who took to his Facebook page to share the “devastating” update.
His father, Ray, also shared an update on his Facebook page. “It’s with a heavy heart I post this today. My beautiful, talented, funny genius only son passed away yesterday,” he wrote in the caption, sharing a photograph of them both together. “I will miss you Carl. I’m so proud of you.
“You had so many dreams about your future as an artist but be assured your unique incredible paintings will reach legendary status in the years to come. My life will never be the same without you.”
It’s with a heavy heart I post this today.My beautiful,talented,funny genius only son passed away yesterday.I will miss…
Posted by Ray Bevan on Thursday, August 8, 2024
Other tributes have come flocking in since the news broke too. Wichita Recordings took to X/Twitter to share their fond memories of the artist, writing: “Carl Bevan was the living embodiment of ‘mischief’. When you saw that grin you knew you were about to get into trouble/see something wild unfold. Some of the best memories I have are with Richard Mike And Carl and they were the best rock n roll band on the planet.
“I’m gutted. He brought me so much joy. A total hellion but with a huge heart and as you know there was nothing better than a great Dolls show. No more drummers please. Not fair.”
Richard John Parfitt also took to the platform to write: “Carl Bevan was a brilliant drummer, a brilliant artist and a brilliant friend. So long little brother,” while Manic Street Preachers shared: “Very sad news-never knew Carl but loved his drumming and loved his exceptional paintings-love to his family and friends”.
Find more tributes shared online below.
Very sad news-never knew Carl but loved his drumming and loved his exceptional paintings-love to his family and friends
https://t.co/slTgNgwbXu
— Manic Street Preachers (@Manics) August 9, 2024
Carl Bevan was the living embodiment of "mischief". When you saw that grin you knew you were about to get into trouble/see something wild unfold. Some of the best memories I have are with Richard Mike And Carl and they were the best rock n roll band on the planet. RIP Carl
— wichitarecs (@wichitarecs) August 9, 2024
I'm gutted Poll. He brought me so much joy. A total hellion but with a huge heart and as you know there was nothing better than a great Dolls show. No more drummers please. Not fair.
— wichitarecs (@wichitarecs) August 9, 2024
Carl Bevan was a brilliant drummer, a brilliant artist and a brilliant friend. So long little brother X pic.twitter.com/qOV7HGglx0
— Richard John Parfitt (@richardjparfitt) August 9, 2024
Absolutely floored that we've lost the one and only Carl Bevan. What an absolutely devastating loss. A friend to so many and so talented. I can't believe it. His poor partner, daughter and family. Just devastating. Rest in Paint and Drums Carl.
— Claire Hopkin
(@claireindubai) August 9, 2024
Devastated to hear of the tragic sudden passing of 60 Ft Dolls drummer, celebrated artist and all round good bloke Carl Bevan. His art was getting some serious attention and there’s an exhibition at the Newport Riverfront of his work at the moment. Taken far too soon. RIP Carl pic.twitter.com/hq4mzoQ1yU
— Country Mile (@country_mile) August 9, 2024
#RIP Carl Bevan, a great drummer, a good soul and, later in life an accomplished visual artist (https://t.co/pR9YpOkWz9) You once waltzed with Isaac Hayes whist the bum was hanging out of your torn trousers. Who else can say that? #60ftDolls
— Andrew Male (@Andr6wMale) August 9, 2024
Bevan was from Glynneath, Neath Port Talbot, but grew up in Newport. He was a teenager when 60 Ft. Dolls began making waves, and the band were reported by BBC as being dubbed “Cool Cymru” in the ‘90s, along with Manic Street Preachers, Super Catatonia and Stereophonics.
Back in 2020, he spoke to the outlet about his time in the industry too, and recalled how “There was a lot of gigs, a lot of laughter and stuff got broken and brain cells sacrificed in the name of rock’n’roll”
After ending his time in the music world, he returned to the public eye as a landscape artist in 2018.
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