Following the passing of their drummer, James Umney, Chesterfield band Clear Vinyl have announced a memorial gig at the Leadmill raising money for the Jessie’s Fund charity.
The show taking place on November 15th will see the band and close friends celebrating James’ legacy alongside the work of bands he loved.
Jessie’s Fund helps children with additional and complex needs or serious illness to communicate by using music. A JustGiving page has been set up, which to date has raised £3,690, and the band hopes to raise even more funds through this memorial show.
The band released a full statement on James’ passing, which read as follows:
Friends,
It is with heavy heart that we have to inform you that on Friday the 2nd of August, our brother, best mate and drummer, James sadly passed away. Never in a million years did we think we would have to write anything like this. His talent as a dancer, comedian, karaoke maestro and most of all a musician was on a level we could only wish to be on. There is nothing we can put in this status to truly show you how much of an amazing human being he was and is. To those of you who knew him, James was always smiling, and cracking a joke even in the most serious of situations.
We urge you not to be sad or upset but instead to laugh, smile and live everyday to the fullest just like he did.
James’ family have created a JustGiving page for donations to ‘Jessie’s Fund’. This Charity helps children with additional and complex needs or serious illness to communicate by using music. We can’t think of a better way to celebrate James’ life than by helping others learn to enjoy the creative aspects of music.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jamesumney
Our last single ‘Foolish’ was recently released and we will be donating all proceeds from the release to ‘Jessie’s Fund’ in James’ honour.
This has hit us all really hard but after speaking to each other over the last few days, and with the full support of James’ family we’re going to push on. We started this as a group of 5 lads with a dream and although it is going to be incredibly difficult and will take some time, we are going to carry on his dream and do our best to make him proud. Everything we do from this moment on is for him.
Below is a video of some of the many memories we have of him doing what he excelled at and loved. We hope you enjoy it.
If there is anything we can take away from this, it is to love and cherish the moments you have with those around you.
We all love you James!
Lots of love,
Josh, Jonjo, Jack & Sam x
Tickets for the event will go on sale on Wednesday 14th August at 10am through The Leadmill’s website, www.leadmill.co.uk.
The band welcomes any donations through the JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jamesumney
