Inspiral Carpets
he cause of the drummer's death is yet to be revealed Inspiral Carpets

Tributes have poured in for The Inspirals drummer Craig Gill, who has died at the age of 44. Surviving members of the Manchester rock band have also remembered the musician, whom they describe as "the beating heart of The Inspirals".

Gill was a founding member of the band, which also consists of Clint Boon, Stephen Holt, Graham Lambert, Martyn Walsh and Stephen Holt. The cause of the drummer's death is yet to be revealed.

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Former Oasis rocker Liam Gallagher led tributes for Gill on 22 November, tweeting: "Stunned by the news of the death of Gilly my heart goes out to his family and band members LIVE FOREVER LG x," while Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess added: "Love going out to @inspiralsband. So sad to hear that Craig 'Gilly' Gill has passed away. Thoughts are with his family today. Tim x x."

The Carnabys tweeted from their account: "So sad to hear about Craig Gill, our thoughts are with his family, friends and fellow musicians," and Kaiser Chiefs star Andrew "Whitey" White said: "So sad to hear the passing of Craig Gill from the Inspiral Carpets Sending love from Yorkshire to his family and friends." Courteneers rocker Liam Fray also wrote: "Just heard the awful news about Craig Gill. Our love and thoughts go to his family, his friends and all Inspirals Fans."

Inspirals Carpet emerged in 1980s and are best known for the songs This Is How It Feels, Saturn 5, She Comes In The Fall, Dragging Me Down and I Want You. Sharing the news of Gill's death on Facebook, the remaining members of the band said: "It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our drummer and close friend, Craig Gill. We are all absolutely devastated by the news.

"Craig was our brother. We were honoured to work alongside him for the last 30 years. To say we'll miss him is an understatement. He was the beating heart of The Inspirals in more ways than one. Our love and thoughts go out to all Craig's family and friends and especially his wife, Rose and their beautiful children, Georgia, Orla and Levon."