Concert tribute to tragic Sheffield musician

Friends of a Sheffield musician who died tragically are uniting for a fundraising concert in his memory.
Alexis Gotts and Rob Graham on stageAlexis Gotts and Rob Graham on stage
Alexis Gotts and Rob Graham on stage

Alexis Gotts, who lived in Nether Green and was the drummer with blues rock group Wet Nuns, took his own life in November last year aged 32. Now a memorial gig is being organised at the O2 Academy in March. Funds will go to several charities, including suicide prevention causes.

Alexis and frontman Rob Graham formed Wet Nuns in 2009. The duo made an album, toured the United States and played the Reading Festival before splitting in 2013.

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Announcing the concert, Rob said: “It’s been over a year since the world lost Alexis Gotts. Obviously it’s been a hard time and it’s taken a while to get round to a point where I can start doing something for him and for those who lost him. But that time has now come.

“As well as a bunch of awesome bands and hopefully some serious partying, this occasion will be an opportunity for a whole bunch of people to get together in a room and celebrate the life of a stellar guy who affected a lot of people during his time with us.

“Added to that, we hope to raise a ton of money for a couple of charities we know Alexis would have approved of.”

Rob added: “There’s still a long way to go in raising awareness concerning mental health issues and preventing suicide. Through this event we can contribute to helping people who are going through similar struggles to those Alexis suffered.

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“The entire ticket price goes to charity. No-one is making any money from the event, aside from covering costs.”

Rob will be joined by Ross Orton plus guests to play the music of Wet Nuns. Wolf People, Baba Naga and Sievehead are also on the bill, with more acts to be announced.

He said all were welcome at the gig. “I hope everyone that should and wants to be there can be. This includes obviously people that knew my friend and also those who didn’t too.”

An inquest earlier this year heard Alexis died after eating highly poisonous yew tree berries. He worked for a nature conservation body and was knowledgeable about plants and wildlife. Alexis was found at home in Oakbrook Road, lying beside a handwritten note which referred to the berries.

n Tickets for the gig, on March 5, are on sale now priced £10. Visit http://bit.ly/WetNshef to book.