Harry Sievey was just 24

The son of Frank Sidebottom creator Chris Sievey has died in a cycling accident.

Harry Sievey, who was 24, died in a traffic accident in Manchester on Sunday night. He was involved in a crash with a Vauxhall Corsa and taken to hospital, where he died.

He was a talented musician and had appeared with Frank Sidebottom's Oh Blimey Big Band following the death of his father in 2010 as part of efforts to raise money for the statue of Frank erected in Timperley.

Neil Taylor, who chaired the committee to get the statue installed, told Chortle: 'The news about the untimely death of Harry, has come as a complete shock. So young and so talented reading the tributes shows what a popular young man he was. Taken from us far too soon. Harry always put a smile on people’s faces. Thoughts are with family, friends and loved ones.'

Jon Ronson, who was once in Sidebottom's band, was among those paying tribute on social media.

He said: ‘Terrible news that the delightful Harry Sievey, son of Chris, died last night in a bicycle accident. RIP. ‘

Musician Niall G added: ‘Harry Sievey and his band supported us in Manchester and I remember thinking he was a really nice charismatic guy. RIP. Awful news, way too young.’

And Sievey’s friend Karl Astbury praised him as a ‘beautiful creative ball of energy’ on Facebook.

Here he is singing Sidebottom’s song Timperley Sunset at a 2015 gig in the town his father made famous:

And here is is speaking about the release of the 2014 film Frank, based on Ronson’s memories of being in the band:

It has been reported that another cyclist was involved in the fatal crash, but was not seriously injured.

Chris Sievey died virtually penniless in 2010 at the age of 54, shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. Fans raised more than £20,000 to ensure he didn’t have a pauper’s funeral.

Published: 13 Feb 2017