Tom McGrath, 38, drummer of The Lancashire Hotpots and known as Willie Eckerslike, was found dead this week. A police spokesman has said his death is not being treated as suspicious. Tom was one of the band’s founder members and also a St Helens College lecturer.

In a statement, the band said: “It is with great sadness that we have to announce the passing of our beloved friend and colleague Tom McGrath aka Willie. The sudden death of a friend is never easy to comprehend, when it’s someone who has profoundly affected your life since the minute you met him, then it hits you all the harder. Our thoughts are understandably with his family at this incredibly difficult time."

The Lancashire Hotpots have had national airplay and played sell out tours with their own unique style of quirky tunes.

There have been many calls to remember him in ways that will bring laughter as well as tears. The band suggested, "If the man has ever made you laugh, have a drink (or ten) tonight and play some drum and bass at an unfeasibly loud volume, I think it’s what he would have wanted.”

There is also a facebook group set up:
Chippy Tea in memory of Willie from the Lancashire Hotpots:

Let's all raise a real brew to the legend Willie Eckerslike!

Tomorrow will be a proper Chippy Tea night in memory of such an amazing fella. Any chippy based meal is accepted, but before eating, raise your can of bitter/lager/cider/ale or stout to this wonderful man!

Willie...you were one of a kind!

R.I.P. Tom McGrath