Gary Watson, the frontman of rising Scottish band the Lapelles, has died after falling into the river Clyde in Glasgow. The singer was due to celebrate his 22nd birthday the day after the accident occurred.
According to a post on the band’s Facebook page, Watson died “as a result of injuries sustained in a tragic accident” on Saturday 13 August 2016. He had been rescued from the river after falling in, but died the following morning at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. Police said the death was not suspicious.
In a statement, the Lapelles said: “It’s with shock, heavy hearts and sadness that we have to let you know the news that Gary sadly passed away this morning as a result of injuries sustained in a tragic accident last night. Today was his 22nd birthday. We are lost for words and struggling to process such a tragedy.
They added: “Gary was a creative force, a man who without his vision this band wouldn’t exist. We have lost a friend, a brother, a hero. At the moment it doesn’t seem real. We send our deepest condolences to Gary’s family and would appreciate your respect in allowing them & us some peace whilst we grieve. Forever in our hearts, with peace you go. X.”
Franz Ferdinand paid tribute to the group on Twitter, with a post that read: “We’re so sad to hear of the tragic passing of @TheLapelles Gary Watson, a lovely, talented man. Thoughts are with his family, friends & band.”
The Lapelles had been set to embark on a UK tour in October 2016.
Seventeen
The Lapelles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
and on your own
And she's fine on something
And she's fine on something
And she's fine on something
She wants no trouble
Fall, stumble
Cause he's an animal
He wears a smile like tainted gold
He'll grab you tight and wont let go
And she's fine on something
And she's fine on something
And she's fine on something
Cause he doesnt know cause he cant tell that She wants no trouble
Fall, stumble
I tremble
Cause he's an animal
I'm a creep and you're a freak
No one knows the talk we speak
I'm a creep and you're a freak
Count to and fall asleep
I'm a creep and you're a freak
No one knows the talk we speak
I'm a creep and you're a freak
Count to and fall asleep
I want no trouble
Fall, stumble
I tremble
Cause he's an animal
The Lapelles's song Seventeen is a track about the struggle of growing up, and the fear and vulnerability that comes with it. The lyrics centre around a girl who is trying to find her way in the world, while simultaneously grappling with an addiction or compulsion that is holding her back. The opening lines, "Take a jet and travel long walk home / and on your own," set the scene for the feeling of isolation and uncertainty that the singer is experiencing. She is alone and on a journey, but she is not sure where it is taking her or what she will find when she gets there.
The repeated refrain of "And she's fine on something" serves to underline the theme of addiction, and paint a picture of a girl who is using substances to numb her pain or give her a sense of control. The lines "Cause he doesn't know cause he can't tell that / She wants no trouble" highlight the tension between the singer and the male character in the song, who is portrayed as aggressive and threatening ("Cause he's an animal"). The repeated motif of "I'm a creep and you're a freak" suggests that the singer is also struggling with a sense of alienation and otherness, which further exacerbates her feelings of fear and vulnerability.
Overall, Seventeen is a poignant and emotive song that captures the sense of confusion and dislocation that can come with adolescence. It deals with themes of addiction, vulnerability, and the search for belonging, all of which are explored in a powerful and understated way.
Line by Line Meaning
Take a jet and travel long walk home
Leaving a place abruptly and with haste to walk home a long distance.
And she's fine on something
The person being referred to seems to be under the influence of some substance and acting nonchalant about it.
She wants no trouble
The person being referred to doesn't want any unwanted attention or problems.
Fall, stumble
The person being referred to is unsteady on their feet and may fall.
I tremble
The artist is scared or intimidated about something or someone.
Cause he's an animal
The person being referred to is wild or unpredictable, and may cause harm to others.
He wears a smile like tainted gold
The person being referred to puts on a fake smile that hides their true intentions and motives.
He'll grab you tight and wont let go
The person being referred to is possessive and controlling.
I'm a creep and you're a freak
The artist and the person being referred to feel like outcasts and misunderstood by society.
No one knows the talk we speak
The conversations between the artist and the person being referred to are private and unknown to others.
Count to and fall asleep
The singer and the person being referred to may use counting as a way to cope with their problems and fall asleep.
Contributed by William S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Kirsten Louise
this makes me so happy had this stuck in my head since the Scottish Heroes gig :D
Joe Bond
saw you guys at newcastle city hall, took me ages to find your name, GREAT SOUND!!!!
Luke Davenport
Saw you last week at belladrum, so strange to think that the first show of yours I saw would one of Gary's last. R.I.P and my most sincere condolences to the rest of the band and friends/family
Nathan Higginbotham
You guys were sick at de Montfort!
Themole981
Was there, was a great gig all around but they were the shock performance
Dakota
They were amazing!
Henry Tedds
I was there too!
Tulraka Jones
Another fucking class song! Can't wait to see it preformed live! A maybe a bring back the classic come on over? Overall fucking brilliant song and I love the video!
flicebaby
wow... did he really make a Jeff Buckley?! What a loss both in terms of life but also musical. Only just spotted them because of the headline and love the music!
1THEDRUID
Gary Watson R.I.P.