Bandmates of Walk Off The Earth’s Mike “Beard Guy” Taylor have taken to social media in the days since his death to share their grief and pay tribute.
The Ontario musician died in his sleep on Dec. 29, according to a statement from the band.
Sarah Blackwood, Gianni Luminati, Ryan Marshall, Joel Cassady and Peter Kirkwood have since remembered Taylor in Twitter and Instagram posts. See them below.
Fans and fellow musicians are also mourning. Singer Scott Helman, a Walk Off The Earth collaborator, tweeted simply: "Bye Mike :("
Billy Talent bassist Jonathan Gallant said he was “gutted” by the loss. “Mike Taylor was a great guy and a hockey brother. In the dressing room he talked most about his kids and always added a thoughtful kind approach to any conversation. RIP buddy.”
Singer and broadcaster Tara Slone called news of Taylor’s death “a punch to the gut.” She tweeted: “My deepest condolences to Mike’s family, friends, and his children, who are left without their amazing father. Sometimes life just isn’t fair. RIP, Beard Guy. You are treasured.”
Country star Gord Bamford shared: “I had the pleasure of getting to know Mike Taylor and always looked forward to lacing up the skates with the man. He was all class and I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing.”
Even London’s famed Royal Albert Hall honoured Taylor.
We were very sad to hear about the passing of Mike Taylor. @WalkOffTheEarth performed an amazing gig here last April as part of our Albert Sessions.
— Royal Albert Hall (@RoyalAlbertHall) January 3, 2019
RIP Beard Guy. pic.twitter.com/cJJ6taPK79
Walk Off The Earth is set to kick off a tour on Feb. 9.
Read the emotional messages from Taylor's bandmates below:
— Walk off the Earth (@WalkOffTheEarth) January 1, 2019
— Sarah Blackwood (@SarahBlackwood1) December 31, 2018
— Joel Cassady (@joel_cassady) January 1, 2019