HEARTBROKEN bandmates of a guitarist who died when a car crashed into a pub have said “never again will any song sound the same”.

Stuart McClung, a founding member of eight-piece reggae ska band New Town Kings, died after a white Nissan Qashqai hit the smoking shelter of The Spinnaker pub, in Hythe Quay, Colchester.

The 36-year-old was a talented music producer and DJ as well as a council worker.

Following his death, his bandmates posted a statement on the group’s Facebook page.

It said: “As many of you already know our guitarist and brother Stu passed away tragically early Sunday morning.

“With deep sadness in our hearts we thank you all for your kind words. Stu was the best of us.

“Never in our worst nightmares could we have imagined something like this happening.

“Our heartfelt condolences to Vix [Mr McClung’s partner Vikki Spall], the rest of his family and to the community at large.”

Chelmsford Weekly News: Stuart McClungStuart McClung

New Town Kings are set to perform a traditional New Year’s Eve gig at Colchester Arts Centre next month.

There is no indication yet as to whether the event, which is a fundraiser for the venue, will go ahead.

The band’s statement continued: “We miss you so much already bro, words will never come close to filling chasm left in our heart and never again will any song sound the same.

“We ask you all for time to try to come to terms with this devastating reality and thank you again for your kind words.”

Ian Winter, 34, and Carl Joyner, 33, were injured in the collision as well as a 34-year-old woman.

A 40-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including murder but has since been released under investigation.

A date for Mr McClung’s inquest has not yet been set due to the ongoing police investigation.

Essex Police would like to hear from any witnesses. Contact 101 quoting incident 63 of November 3 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.