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Crash-death musician 'will be missed dearly' - PICTURES
A MUSICIAN killed alongside his girlfriend in a car crash in Sheffield was the former drummer with city indie band Gledhill.
Lliam Oliver, aged 33, died with Sarah Kate O'Melia, 23, when the red Vauxhall Astra in which they were both passengers crashed on Beaver Hill Road, Woodhouse.
Read tributes to Lliam and Sarah and leave your own comment in our book of condolence
Lliam, a father of three sons, from Lowfield, was a well-respected musician and veteran of Sheffield bands, having played previously with city outfit Slo-mo.
Gledhill - named after vocalist David Gledhill - was formed in 2004, and aimed to "write the biggest, most uplifting, epic songs man had ever heard". Their second album, Constellations, released in 2006, was put together with the help of Oasis producer Owen Morris.
Music critics at the time said Gledhill, who supported Tears for Fears on tour, could "expect to be big" and were "a band about to achieve everything they have ever dreamed of".
David described Lliam as "the most fiercely loyal band member and friend you will ever have".
Today David, of Loxley, told The Star: "We're all in a state of shock really.
"When I first saw Lliam, it was for an audition for my band at the time, Slo-mo. In truth, the audition didn't go that well, but Lliam's warmth of personality and downright charisma immediately got my attention and I offered him the job on the spot.
"Over the next four years, playing with Slo-mo and Gledhill, we did a few major tours, recorded an album with Owen Morris and, during the whole period, Lliam was the consummate professional.
"His drumming just kept getting better and better. And I can say that as a songwriter and producer he was an absolute joy to work with and was always willing to try anything for me."
David, who has since gone on to work with highly-touted new Yorkshire band Skint & Demoralized, added: "On a personal basis he was the most loyal and kind friend anyone could have and I will miss him dearly.
"Lliam was genuinely a proper nice guy in this business, and I can't speak highly enough of him."
Upcoming Sheffield band The Regulars said Lliam was a "kind and helpful" friend.
They added: "Lliam was so encouraging towards us and always had time for us. It meant a lot to a young band starting out. If only we could have enjoyed his friendship longer."
Thirty messages of condolence have been left to the couple on The Star's website.
Sarah was described by one pal as "so beautiful inside and out", and family friend Lynne Bramall told The Star: "Sarah was a bright, warm, pretty young lady who will be very much missed by all whose lives she touched."
Witnesses to the crash should call police on 0114 220 2970.
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Weather for Sheffield
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
