The Wanted singer Max George has posted a heartfelt tribute to his former bandmate Tom Parker who tragically passed away earlier this week.
Parker died surrounded by his family and bandmates on Wednesday, after a heartbreaking battle with brain cancer.
He disclosed in October 2020 that he had been diagnosed with stage four glioblastoma and had begun radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Despite his diagnosis, in recent weeks he had performed on stage with his The Wanted bandmates as part of a reunion tour.
Speaking on Saturday, George described Parker as his “brother, boy, bandmate and best bud”, while also thanking him for “choosing me as your friend”.
In a post accompanied by photos of the pair, George said: “Tom, my brother, my boy, my band mate, my best bud.. You lit up so many lives all over the world but I can only speak on behalf of mine.
Max George (centre) has paid tribute to his former bandmate Tom Parker (2nd L)
Ian West
Parker died of brain cancer on Wednesday
Joe Giddens
“From the minute I met you, I knew this was gonna be a special chapter in my life. I was right. We did everything together, some amazing things, some outrageous things. Im so proud of what we achieved as band mates and as brothers.
"I’m also proud that I was there the night you met Kels. I remember saying to you, ‘you like her don’t you?’.. to which you replied, ‘bro, like you wouldn’t believe’. You two really are like peas and carrots.
“Thank you for choosing me as your friend. It was an honour from day one. I’m so grateful I was with you until the very end. The courage and dignity I have witnessed over the last few months surpassed the lion I already knew you were."
He added: “The huge hole now left in my life will forever be there, but I know your spirit will live on through your two beautiful babies, your wonderful wife, our music, your fans and in my heart.
“I’m heartbroken beyond words right now and I cannot even begin to imagine what the future holds without you, but whatever I do going forward, even on my darkest days, I can always smile and say, ‘I shared the stage with Tom Parker’.
“I am going to miss you so much. I love you mate. Always. George.”