SHIELDS GUITARIST GEORGE CHRISTIE HAS DIED

Guitarist for heavy metal band Shields has sadly passed away.

Vocalist Sam Kubrick posted earlier this morning:

“There is no easy way to say this.

Last night, George Christie took his own life. He was the most empathetic, kind and generous person I’ve ever met in my life and I was lucky to call him one of my best friends, fellow band member and room mate.

I’ve tried to contact as many of you personally as possible that I felt needed a phone call rather then learning about this tragedy via a facebook post, but everyone needs to find out eventually.

I don’t want to disclose any more information about his passing out of respect for his family, please don’t ask. Those who need to know, know.”

Separately, bassist Lawrence Welling has written:

Here’s to my friend George ❤️ My stage right brother, the guy who pulled me from the darkness in my own mind countless times whilst on tour and at home, who could take one look at you and know if you were ok or not, the guy who I’d share a smirk with as we stepped on each other’s toes whilst rocking out, the guy who cooked kick ass eggs.

“To do these things for so many people whilst battling his own demons without doubt makes him one of the bravest people I’ve ever known.

“He didn’t care about being famous or being a rockstar, he cared about precision, quality of work, and the people around him.

“He wasn’t always great with words but he created art that would speak for him and anything left unsaid was always delivered in the love and respect he gave everyone.

“Im grateful for the opportunity to tour Europe with him so many times and I’m confident he knew we all loved him.

“I am absolutely heartbroken, I don’t want to speak for the others but thanks for all the support in this it means a lot. ❤️ “

If you have been affected by anything in this article, Samaritans can be contacted free on 116 123 (in the UK) or by email on jo@samaritans.org. If you are in the US, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255.

Our thoughts go out to all those affected.