Local musician Will Read

Local musician, Will Read (pictured far right) with the Gloria Estefan band. ⓒ Tom Read

Macclesfield’s entertainment community is mourning the loss of virtuoso musician Will Read.

Will passed away at home following a battle with cancer.

Like his late father, Roger, Will played a wide range of instruments as well as being a talented vocalist. He performed in a number of bands across Macclesfield.

By the early age of 13, Will started performing with dad Roger and his older brother, Tom.

He played alongside local acts Take Five, Arthur Wakefield, Ronnie Darlington, Joint Effort, Grapevine, Manatees and Butterfly Jam. He was also principal percussionist with Bollington Brass Band.

He gained a national fan-base whilst performing on Britain’s Got Talent in 2012, with his comedy act of The Showbears.

The group charmed audiences in the live semi-final before becoming the surprise guest act in the final.

Will joined Gloria Estefan’s band in her 2013 European Tour, travelling to Belgium and Switzerland, before becoming the musical director on Sun Cruises – and drummer on the MV Seawing.

In recent years, Will became a care assessor for Cheshire East Council.

A number of Facebook friends paid tribute to the ‘beautiful soul’, with many thanking him for helping them with their musical abilities.

One user wrote: “Sleep peacefully Will, what a beautiful soul you was. Such a great friend and a loveable character. You will be missed. Rest easy my friend xxx”.

Another commented: “Will was such a brave, amazing and beautiful person. He helped me so much with my singing. I will be forever grateful.”