Alan Wills – who signed The Coral and The Zutons amongst other famous Liverpool bands under one of the city's biggest record labels, Deltasonic – has died tragically following a cycling accident. Before starting his visionary label he was the drummer with Liverpool bands Shack and Top. 

The CoralThe Coral performing at Liverpool university back in 2010

He passed last night (Sunday May 11) following serious head injuries sustained in a road accident. Having worked with The Coral and their six albums, Wills formed personaly and business relationships with the Zutons, The Dead 60s, The Little Flames, The Rascals, The Basement, Candie Payne, The Longcut and The Suzukis, The Sand Band, The Tigerpicks and The Dirty Rivers, becoming one of the city’s most renown music figures. 

His biggest and best band were his first, though. The Coral’s lead singer James Skelly said: "Alan was a true and loyal friend. I am gutted." Icicle Works singer Ian Mcnabb said: "I knew Alan off and on for 30 years. First I knew him as the drummer in Shack and Top then as the driving force behind his record and publishing companies.

"He helped many local musicians live their dreams through his hard work and belief in their music. He was passionate about the things that count in this life and I am very sad to hear he has been taken away in the cruelest and most shocking way possible. Another great musical mentor of Liverpool has gone too soon. Thoughts with family and friends." (The Mirror)

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Pete Wylie also spoke of Wills’ audition for Wylie’s ‘Wah!’. "Alan always told this story - he came to Liverpool to audition for WAH! I told him he'd 'failed the audition' but I liked him, so I found another band for him to play with so he stayed here. He said he didn't know anyone else who'd do that for a kid.The rest is history! He was always looking to the future and to help nurture new talent. Liverpool is going to miss him. My love and condolences to all those left behind. RIP Alan."