Insanity Beach hold fundraising night in memory of late drummer Chris Hooker

Apr 22 2009 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

WIRRAL band Insanity Beach are holding a fundraising event at Revolver next month in memory of late drummer Chris Hooker.

The 48-year-old died on March 23 as a result of a condition known as atherosclerosis, which is an accumulation of cholesterol in the arteries.

The event on May 9 will also see the launch of the band’s new album Welcome to the Party, recorded over the last two years and which features Chris’s work on percussion.

Proceeds from the night and £2 from each copy will go to Chris’s family.

Singer and guitarist Ian Cowell will also be auctioning one of his guitars.

Ian said: “The album is the last thing Chris recorded with us. We’ve recorded seven or eight albums but this is all original music and is the first one we’ve done that’s eligible for the charts.

“We’ve spent the last couple of years working on it and unfortunately Chris never got to see it when it was pressed and all finished with the barcode.”

Chris, who lived in Ellesmere Port, joined Insanity Beach four years ago.

Ian said: “He was one of the most passionate people I’ve ever met when it comes to music and playing percussion.

“He was full of life – and totally eccentric! He was a bit of a practical joker and was full of the most bizarre knowledge!

“His death has shocked us all.”