Shack drummer and founder of Liverpool’s Deltasonic record label Alan Wills has died following a road accident. It was reported on Friday that the 52-year-old Wills had suffered serious head injuries after crashing his bicycle on Thursday evening while cycling along East Prescot Road. He sadly succumbed to those injuries Sunday night, with his family at his bedside.
Alan Wills is best known for both his drumming in Liverpool bands Shack and Top as well as setting up Deltasonic, which has been home to some of the biggest Liverpool bands since its inception in 2000. The first band signed was The Coral, who released all six of their albums on the label, but Deltasonic was also home to many others including The Zutons, The Dead 60s, The Little Flames, The Rascals, The Basement, Candie Payne, The Longcut and The Suzukis, and The Sand Band. The label also found success as a publishing company having worked with Miles Kane’s The Last Shadow Puppets on their massive The Age Of The Understatement album.
Upon the news of Wills’ death, many artists who worked with him came forward with tributes. James Skelly, singer of The Coral, said: "Alan was a true and loyal friend. I am gutted."
Pete Wylie of Wah!, who Wills auditioned for unsuccessfully at the start of his career, said: "Alan always told this story – he came to Liverpool to audition for WAH! I told him he’d ‘failed the audition’ but I liked him, so I found another band for him to play with so he stayed here.
"He said he didn’t know anyone else who’d do that for a kid. The rest is history! He was always looking to the future and to help nurture new talent. Liverpool is going to miss him. My love and condolences to all those left behind. RIP Alan."
Miles Kane, whose early bands were championed by Wills along with their later work together, tweeted: “RIP Alan Wills such sad news he made me believe in my dreams and gave me my first break and that I’ll never forget big love to the family!”
The crash is still being investigated by Merseyside Police, who have appealed to the public for witnesses or information on the incident from anyone who may have been in the area around 8:30pm on Thursday, the time of the crash.
Inspector Mike McFall, said: “The incident took place on East Prescot Road near the junction with Ashover Avenue, which is a busy area, and I would urge anyone with information to call Merseyside Police on 0151 777 5747 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”
