Paloma Faith has paid a touching tribute to her bandmate Kevin Banks, revealing he has died from a terminal illness.
She wrote on Instagram: ‘It is with so much sadness that I have to share the news of the passing of my dear friend, band mate and touring MD following terminal illness.
‘He was one of the most inspiring people in my tribe. We travelled the world with one another, we spent days and nights laughing, musing, working together and loving each other.’
Paloma added: ‘I am heartbroken that he won’t be on the next tour. The last tour was very special to all of us as we knew then it would be his last.
‘In the days leading up to his death we had long chats and I held him as I wanted to and told him how much I loved him many times. He even married his wonderful girlfriend in the last days.
‘Also (and he would like me to acknowledge) he looked exceptionally cool right until the last moment!’
She added that three of her songs from her latest record; If This Is Goodbye, Beautiful and Damned and Supernatural, were written about Kevin and will be played on her summer tour.
Concluding her tribute, Paloma wrote: ‘He’s not gone though, he’s just gone on ahead.
‘I love you Banks and always will. Rest in all the magic you are. Forever in my heart, Paloma x.’
She shared a series of photos of the two of them during precious moments from their years of working together, adding: ‘Good morning. It’s us again. Still hurts. Love you rip.’
Kevin was credited with many contributions to Paloma’s music over the years, including playing the guitar on several tracks from Infinite Things, her 2020 album.Â
