Liverpool band Her’s have died while on tour in the U.S. Norway’s Audun Laading and Barrow-born Stephen Fitzpatrick were killed in an early morning road accident en route to a gig in Santa Ana, Calif., on Wednesday, along with their tour manager Trevor Engelbrektson, as revealed by the duo’s label Heist or Hit on Thursday.
Laading and Fitzpatrick met while playing in the rhythm section of Brad Stank’s band (fka Sundogs), with a deep friendship underlying the formation of their own group. Their debut album Invitation To Her’s was released last year, following 2017 compilation Songs of Her’s, and combining new wave and dream pop to craft a catchy and unforgettable sound. Last August, Her’s graced the list of Paste’s 15 new Liverpool bands you need to know. Whether you’ve streamed their music or had the pleasure of seeing Her’s play live, it was clear that this talented pair of artists had years of music ahead of them.
Heist or Hit shared a statement on Facebook reading:
Their energy, vibrancy and talent came to define our label. As humans, they were warm, gentle and hilarious. Each time they stopped by the office made for an uplifting experience. To say they were close would be an underestimation of a friendship that was genuinely beautiful to witness; they loved one another like brothers. Musically, Her’s were astonishing. An aptitude for melody, fun, and entertainment combined with a complexity that was as sophisticated as it was stylish. They were in America playing to thousands of adoring fans. Fans they made a point of meeting and spending time with, such was their passion and humbleness. The world was at their feet. Everyone here at the label is overwhelmed and distraught. We have lost our friends and the world has been denied their talent.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Stephen, Audun and Trevor, please respect their privacy at this extremely difficult time,” the message concluded.
Since hearing the news, members of the music community have paid tribute to Her’s via social media. See a few of those tributes and Her’s electric performance at the Paste Studio below.
Shock and grief backstage at @cavernliverpool last night at news of the sudden death of @ThatBandOfHers in a US road accident. For a sense of the hope and promise we’ve all lost, you only need to watch this @bbcintroducing clip in their last tweet. https://t.co/Hf05yIUZDk
— Tom Robinson (@freshnet) March 29, 2019
Absolutely devastating news this morning. Her’s unique debut was an Album of the Month, accompanied by some truly wonderful in-stores. Much loved friends of Rough Trade, a very bright future taken away far far too soon. Thoughts with family, friends and fans x
Photo: Emma Swann pic.twitter.com/ksF8u24P6q
— Rough Trade (@RoughTrade) March 29, 2019
Breaks my heart when I hear of musicians dying too soon Even if it’s s group I’m not familiar with. I’ve spent 3 decades touring in vans and buses. The band @hers died in a head on collision in Arizona. https://t.co/lxs5ThHjhf their music is beautiful. @HeistOrHit
— Michael Franti (@michaelfranti) March 29, 2019
Absolutely devastated to hear about the passing of our friends Her’s. Stevie and Audun were two of the nicest, warmest people we’d ever met. Our thoughts are with their family and close friends at this time. RIP x pic.twitter.com/E5Xb8hc6Ur
— The Magic Gang (@_TheMagicGang) March 29, 2019
Unbelievably sad to hear about the loss of Liverpool band Her’s (@ThatBandOfHers) and terribly lucky to have had them perform at this year’s festival. Our hearts go out to all their family, friends, and fans. https://t.co/lVyQezRqFw
— SXSW (@sxsw) March 29, 2019
My heart broke when I heard about the passing of this great young band from Liverpool. Sending good vibes to the friends and family of Her’s https://t.co/shoFvL4×0n
— Lizzie Manno (@LizzieManno) March 29, 2019