Virgil Howe dead: Little Barrie drummer and son of Yes guitarist Steve Howe dies suddenly aged 41

Virgil Howe, drummer for the band Little Barrie, has died unexpectedly aged 41.

The London-born musician and DJ was the son of Yes guitarist Steve Howe, who confirmed the news of his death on the band's Facebook page.

A statement read: "Due to the tragic, unexpected death of guitarist Steve Howe's beloved younger son, Virgil, YES regrettably announces that the remaining dates of their Yestival tour have been cancelled.

"Ticket refunds for the affected tour dates (in Moorhead, Cedar Rapids, London, Rochester, Boston and Huntington) will be available at point of purchase.

"YES - Steve Howe, Alan White, Geoff Downes, Jon Davison and Billy Sherwood - want to thank all their fans for their support and understanding at this time.

"Steve Howe and family ask for their privacy to be respected during this difficult time."

The team looking after Howe's band Little Barrie also confirmed the news.

Bandmate Barrie Cadogan said: "We are heartbroken that we have lost our dear friend and brother Virgil Howe. Our thoughts are with his daughter, family and partner. Please respect their privacy during their difficult time."

Bassist Lewis Wharton added: "I am utterly devastated to lose my friend and a positive force in my life."

The cause of Howe's death is currently unknown.

Tributes for the musician are being paid by friends, fans and fellow artists.

Eddy Temple-Morris, a British DJ, wrote on Twitter: "A beautiful and brilliant man. Devastated by the news of @LittleBarrie's Virgil Howe today. My heart goes out to all friends and family."

Steve Mason wrote: "A beautiful man and colossal drummer. Horrible news. Will be hugely missed."

London-based musician Jake Bradford-Sharp told The Independent: "I knew him a bit as our paths crossed between my gigs and his DJ sets at the Roadhouse in Covent Garden, and at Dirty Harry's on Wardour Street.

"He had nothing but nice words to say and was always very positive - I couldn't believe it when I read the news this morning."

The band Sisteray wrote: "So sad to hear about [the] passing of Little Barrie's Virgil Howe... god bless ya fella and thoughts to the family. RIP."

False Heads frontman Luke Griffiths told The Independent: "My friend Dom who knew Virgil pretty well introduced us after sending him some of our music. After that I went on his Soho Radio show every now and then and got to know him - he'd bring a few beers in and we'd have a chat beforehand.

"We kept in touch, he was just the nicest bloke going - always interested in what you were doing and wanting the best for you."

Little Barrie's best known song "Better Call Saul" was used as the theme for the hit Netflix drama of the same name.

The band released their fourth album Death Express in July this year and were supposed to set off on tour today [12 September]. They had just released a new music video for their song "Produkt".

Howe is survived by his wife of 10 years, presenter and model Jen Dawson, his daughter, his parents Steve and Janet Howe, and siblings Dylan, Georgia and Stephanie.

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