Tributes paid to New Vinyl guitarist Ben Wapples - concert to make sure his memory lives on

Police said Benjamin Thomas Wapples, 22, was involved in the collision with a Toyota Avensis at 2.55am on Sunday, November 1.

He had been on a night out dressed as a fox character from the television programme The Mighty Boosh for Halloween with friends.

Former Wakefield College student Mr Wapples got off a train at East Garforth railway station in Leeds when he was involved in the collision.

The incident happened on Aberford Road, near to the junction with Great North Road, and the taxi had been travelling along Aberford Road towards the M1.

Mr Wapples, of Westfield Road, Hemsworth, was a lead guitarist in the up-and-coming band New Vinyl.

The band’s lead singer Danny Allison said: “Ben was in the band for five years and was a huge part of all our lives. He was like a brother to me.

“Everyone loved him. He was a charismatic guy and just as the band was complete it now feels like we are missing the final piece of the jigsaw.”

New Vinyl released their single Fly High this summer.

Mr Allison said: “He loved the music and the arts and we had a great laugh touring the UK and in Europe. Ben’s influence will be with us forever.”

Mr Wapples’s friend Amy Badat also paid tribute to him.

She said: “Ben was one of a kind and a real true spirit. It has been a huge shock losing him so suddenly.”

A tribute gig has been organised to raise money for Mr Wapples’ family.

His favourite band Dog Is Dead will headline the event.

The Cribs’ Ross Jarman will perform a DJ set and he will be joined on the bill by bands New Vinyl, Skinny Living and Vinyl Party.

Stand up comedian and songwriter Micky P Kerr will also perform at the gig.

New Vinyl lead singer Danny Allison said: “Doing the gig is the only way we know how to pay tribute to Ben. He will be sadly missed.”

The concert will take place at Unity Works on Friday, December 18. Tickets cost £6 and the gig starts at 8pm.

Tickets can be bought from Unity Works or by searching for Ben Wapples on https://billetto.co.uk/en/search.

Mr Wapples’ funeral took place at Hemsworth Methodist Church yesterday.

Anyone who witnessed the incident on Aberford Road should call police on 101.