Today brought the tragic news that Craig Gill, drummer with Inspiral Carpets since he was a mere 14 years old, has passed away at just 44. Gill is one of those understated heroes, delivering the definitive beat that the rest of the Madchester scene grooved along to.

Photographer Andy Sturmey and I covered an absolutely superb Carpets gig for Clash in 2012, from which the band photo above was taken. Gill was incredible to watch, a real powerhouse drummer with a furious, compelling energy that you couldn’t take your eyes off.

To truly celebrate Gill’s legacy I suggest you stick on the intensely funky ‘Dragging Me Down’ from the overlooked Revenge Of The Goldfish LP extremely loudly. Rest in peace Craig. Forever cool as fuck.

Photo (c) 2012 Andy Sturmey // Post (c) 2016 Mat Smith / Documentary Evidence