HEARTBREAK
The Twang star reveals wife’s tragic death from cancer – saying he nearly quit the band
Jon had a kind message for fans after 'two and a half years of darkness and misery'
THE Twang star Jon Watkin has revealed the heartbreaking news that his wife has died.
The bassist, who co-founded the indie rock group in 2004, said Sarah passed away after a two-year battle with bowel cancer.
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He admitted he nearly quit the group several times but added: "Sarah made me promise I wouldn’t."
Jon shared a series of pictures on the group's X account saying: "Hello Twang fans. I don’t usually do things like this but wanted to share something with you.
"This is my wife Sarah, she died in April after a two year battle with bowel cancer.
"Me and Sarah have three little boys together Peter, George and Stanley who are obviously also dealing with huge change and loss.
"During Sarah’s illness I nearly quit the band several times but Sarah made me promise I wouldn’t. ‘It’s your job and its what you love doing’ is what she would say."
He added that he came close to telling Phil Etheridge, who he founded The Twang with in Birmingham, that he was out.
Jon added: "After Sarah died I was nervous about going out on the road again after not touring for over two years.
"Full of self doubt leading up to this tour I nearly phoned Phil a couple of time to tell him I was out for good but I made Sarah a promise that I wouldn’t.
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"This is my way of thanking her. She was right. This December tour has been one of the best I’ve ever been part of and I’d like to dedicate it to her.
"But I’d also like to say thanks to you lot, our fans.
"After going through two and a half years of darkness and misery, looking out at all the smiling faces on tour is something I will never forget. In the moment, loving life. You’ve been beautiful.
"I just want to say a genuine thanks from myself and the band, you’ve stuck with us through thick and thin and for this we are forever grateful. Without you we’re nothing. Thanks."
He concluded: "Me and the band have been talking about some new music next year. We’ll see. Lots of love. Jon (and the twang) x."
The Twang are vocalist and guitarist Phil, bassist Jon, guitarist Stu Hartland, drummer Ash Sheehan, andbacking singers Cat Mctigue and Rio Hellyer.
Their debut single, Wide Awake, was released in March 2007 with the first of their five albums, Love It When I Feel Like This, reaching No3 in the UK charts when it came out two months later.
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