The Wanted share emotional tribute video in memory of Tom Parker
"Sleep Well Brother x," said the band.
The Wanted have shared a touching tribute video in memory of bandmate Tom Parker, whose funeral took place yesterday.
The band first told fans in October 2020 that Parker was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. He died at the end of last month, age 33.
His wife, Kelsey, confirmed the news on March 30. “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we confirm Tom passed away peacefully earlier today with all of his family by his side,” she wrote in an Instagram post. “Our hearts are broken, Tom was the centre of our world and we can’t imagine life without his infectious smile and energetic presence.”
In a compilation video shared by the band late last night (April 20) titled ‘Sleep Well Brother x’, behind-the-scenes footage shows Parker with bandmates Max George, Siva Kaneswaran, Jay McGuiness and Nathan Sykes.
The footage is set to the band’s song ‘Gold Forever’, and features various moments from throughout their career.
Clips in the montage show Parker getting his hair cut, rehearsing on stage and laughing with the group in silly moments. The video ends with a photo of Parker and the caption “We love you brother”.
Fans were moved by the touching video, with one commenting: “So many Wanted Wednesday clips in there, bringing back so many memories. Tom was a light that could brighten the darkest of rooms. His memory now lives on in his beautiful family, friends and fans. This is a beautiful tribute that will cause so many, including I, to shed a tear.”
Another wrote: “This song has a whole new meaning now. This video is such a beautiful tribute to such an amazing man. I’ve honestly been sobbing on and off all day.”
“I wish I could eloquently write how special Tom was. I just know that he was so lucky to be surrounded by people that loved and adored him,” a third added.
Parker’s bandmates carried his coffin at the funeral in southeast London yesterday (April 20).
‘Champagne Supernova’ by Oasis played to fans who were gathered outside the church. One arrangement of flowers read ‘Glad You Came’ after the band’s hit song. Another read ‘Daddy’ in multicoloured florals from his two Children, Aurelia, two, and Bodhi, one.
At the Grammys earlier this month Parker was included in the In Memoriam segment.