Devastated Night Cafe fans pay tribute as singer Sean Martin dies suddenly at 26: ‘So grateful I grew up with their music’
Devastated Night Cafe fans have paid tribute after singer Sean Martin died suddenly at the age of 26.
His bandmates announced the devastating news on social media on Monday, paying tribute to their ‘childhood best friend’.
Sean’s cause of death has not yet been released.
Loyal fans soon took to X, formerly Twitter, to share their fond memories of ‘growing up’ with the band’s music.
One said: ‘Heartbreaking news. The music of my youth. RIP Sean’, while a second said: ‘What terribly bad news, so grateful I grew up with the music of the nightclub.’
Tragic news: Sean Martin, singer of The Night Cafe, has died suddenly at the age of 26
Sad: Devastated fans have taken to social media to share their memories of ‘growing up’ with the band’s music
A third said: ‘rip sean. A huge band for me when I first started music, saw them supporting waves and I was immediately on board. such a different sound and songs like endless lovers and a message to myself are timeless. terrible news.’
A fourth shared his memories of meeting the band: ‘This is terribly sad. met him in Birmingham a few years ago whilst watching the band we thought were brilliant. Rest in peace.’
Guitarist Josh Higgins, 26, guitar, drummer Carl Dillon, 27, and bassist Arran O’Connell, 26, released a joint statement saying: ‘We are devastated to share the sudden passing of our best friend Sean.
‘Words cannot describe the pain we are feeling right now, we are still struggling to come to terms with it all. We ask everyone to respect the privacy of Sean’s family and friends during this difficult time.
“Sean wasn’t just our bandmate, he was our childhood best friend who we shared so many memories with before the band even started.”
They continued, “We made so many more memories along the way and accomplished things we only dreamed of and will cherish forever.
“His memory will live on forever in our hearts and through the music he brought into the world for all of you. RIP Sean Martin ‘
Devastated: Fans are shocked by Sean’s very sudden death
Heartbreaking: Guitarist Josh Higgins, 26, drummer Carl Dillon, 27, and bassist Arran O’Connell, 26, released a joint statement in tribute to Sean (2R)
Tributes: Sean’s mother Catherine and The Wombats – formed by Matthew Murphy, Tord Øverland Knudsen and Dan Haggis – paid tribute online
The Night Cafe, whose name was inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s painting, was founded in 2013 and released two EPs: Get Away from the Feeling and Bunkbed in 2017 and 2018, before releasing their debut studio album 0151 in 2019.
The Liverpool group opened for The Wombats – formed by Matthew Murphy, Tord Øverland Knudsen and Dan Haggis – who paid tribute online.
They said, ‘I’m sorry to hear this guys, he was literally the kindest and nicest guy you could have on tour.
“Not to mention how talented and amazing he was. Our thoughts are with all of you and Sean’s loved ones. Lots of love and fond memories, The Bats x’
Sean’s mother Catherine thanked fans for their support as she shared: ‘Thank you to everyone for your love and supportive messages for our beautiful and talented son Sean ‘
She added on Facebook: ‘Thank you so much to all of you for the heartfelt messages for our beautiful Sean.
“His music, the songs he wrote, the person he was, his smile, his heart and soul were so precious. Your voice is a comfort to us all at this time.”
Last year, Sean revealed he was struggling with his health and needed surgery to help with a mystery condition.
Heartbreaking: Drummer Carl shared a photo of the band as he paid tribute on Instagram
He told fans on Facebook in April: ‘Some of you may know that I have struggled with my health over the last few years which has been a huge obstacle for TNC and to be honest it has been quite difficult. It’s time for all of us.
‘Luckily I recently received a diagnosis that explains what’s going on, but unfortunately this means I’ll have to have surgery next week. (on my birthday)
“That means we’re sorry to say we have to stop @wombatsofficial shows this month. We’re hurt, but honestly, we’re so excited that we can finally move forward properly without anything getting in our way.”
Taking time out: Last year Sean revealed he was struggling with his health and needed surgery to help with a mystery condition