G4 were left devastated when one of their original members died (Picture: REX/Shutterstock)
X Factor finalists G4 have reflected on the loss of their bandmate, Ben Thapa, as they continue to tour without him following his death.
Thapa, one of the original members of the vocal troupe who left in 2018 to pursue his own music career, died earlier this month, aged 42.
The devastating news broke while the group – which consists of fellow original members Jonathan Ansell and Michael Christie as well as Duncan Sandilands and Jai McDowall – were on tour to mark 20 years of G4.
Making the announcement on September 9, the band’s joint statement referred to Thapa as their ‘brother’, thanking fans for their support through the ‘difficult time’.
As tributes poured in across social media, artist management company Steven Swales said it ‘was a huge privilege to know and work’ with Thapa.
Now, the surviving members have said it has been ‘cathartic’ to perform the songs they used to sing with their late bandmate on stage.
Ben Thapa died aged 42 (Picture: Instagram)
The classical operatic group rose to fame on the first series of the hit ITV singing competition in 2004, where they finished second to Steve Brookstein.
Ansell told the PA news agency Thapa’s death came as a ‘shock’, but that reliving the memories they had with him while on the road has helped.
‘It’s very cathartic to perform the songs that we sung with him for so many years together and we created as a group of mates at college,’ he said.
‘Genuinely, it’s amazing to relive those songs and think about those moments, those memories, those harmonies, the fun, the silliness.’
Thapa shared that he was receiving dialysis treatment and had undergone a nephrostomy operation in the weeks before his death.
Ansell added: ‘It makes you then cherish every single moment, every second, every every lyric, every interaction with somebody, every journey. You just have to enjoy it. And being on tour has certainly helped that.
G4 finished second on The X Factor in 2004 (Picture: REX/Shutterstock)
Thapa documented his hospital treatments via social media before he died (Picture: Instagram)
‘But gosh, it’s special to remember him, and we talk briefly about Ben on stage and remember those lovely memories as well.’
Christie hailed Thapa as an ‘amazing musician’ and a ‘big part’ of the formation of the group’s harmonies and identity.
‘He’s always in the heart of the group, really. Having perfect pitch he he was one that gave us all our starting notes because we’re known for doing lots of little acapella moments without backing track, and he always gave us the starting notes and so you still hear that today,’ he added.
Alongside his time with G4, Thapa performed in numerous operas including making his main stage debut at the English National Opera as part of its Carmen education project.
Ansell said the outpouring since Thapa’s death has been ‘incredible’, adding that it has been ‘heartwarming’ to know how ‘loved’ Thapa was.
After forming at music college, Thapa competed on The X …read more
Source:: Metro
