Tributes have been pouring in since it was announced that Greg Gilbert has sadly died, the frontman and guitarist for Delays had been battling cancer since 2016.
The 44-year-old musician had been living with stage four bowel cancer since his diagnosis in 2016, the cancer was worsened when the illness spread to his lungs. Gilbert had been active with documenting his Cancer through his art and social media.
The singer had studied at Winchester art school and after his diagnosis, he started to further emerge himself in art and poetry. The singer’s artwork was included within an exhibition at Southampton City Art Gallery, his art was displayed alongside work by famed painter Leonardo da Vinci. Gilbert’s poetry was also published, the artist’s poetry was included within Carol Ann Duffey’s collection, Laureate’s Choice series.
Gilbert and his family launched a crowdfund for his medical treatment which raised over £200,000. However, in August Gilbert shared via social media that he had stopped medical treatment and had begun treatment for pain relief at Island of Wright centre, Countess Mountbatten Hospice. Gilbert shared the news via Twitter.
This isn’t a post I ever thought I’d write but it seems necessary. I have, unfortunately, been taken off of treatment and am now being treated for pain relief at Countess Mountbatten Hospice. The pains are mostly under control and the nurses here are nothing less than angels. 1/3
— Greg Gilbert (@GregDelays) August 8, 2021
But I’m now in an uncertain future where I don’t know how long I have and what the days will look like. I’m trying to get home for a couple of hours a day to see the kids, energy willing, and hope I can still find the time to create. I’m impossibly lucky to have the family 2/3
— Greg Gilbert (@GregDelays) August 8, 2021
The tragic news of Gilbert’s passing was confirmed on social media on 30th September 2021 by Aaron Gilbert, Greg’s brother and bandmate. Aaron posted a statement sharing the heartbreaking news to fans. “I have no idea how to do this right now, but this afternoon at 2:22; we walked my brother back home to somewhere out there in the ether, Greg died surrounded in the endless love that us and all of you have given him on this journey, and we Weill never be able to fully express how much it meant to him (and all of us) to have you by our side lifting us up like a winged army.”
Within the post, Aaron also shared a message of thanks for the support shown during his brother’s diagnosis, “Your messages, your encouragement and your compassion have been our oxygen for the last 5 years.”
My brother @GregDelays x pic.twitter.com/GMUM1pe3SK
— Aaron Gilbert (@AaronDelays) September 30, 2021
Gilbert’s wife also took to social media to thank those who sent messages and support during this tragic time.
Gilbert formed the Southampton Indie band Delays with original members, drummer Rowly, bassist Colin Fox and Dan Hall, who was replaced by Aaron Gilbert. The group underwent several name changes, initially called Croky, they then performed under the name Idoru. The band then took their present name and were signed to Rough Trade Records, their debut single “Nearer Than Heaven” was released in 2003.
The quintet then released their debut album Faded Seaside Glamour in April 2004 which charted within the top 20 and garnered them the recognition and success. The album included the single “Long Time Coming” which sired the group’s highest chart position, the single also appeared within the TV show, Veronica Mars. Since their debut releases, the band have achieved further chart success and embarked on worldwide tours. The group’s most recent and fourth studio album Star Tiger Star Ariel was released in 2010 and reached number ten within the UK indie charts.
Gilbert is survived by his brother, children and wife.
