Spinner

Space Drummer Dies Suddenly at 42

Andy Parle, the former drummer from Liverpool, England band Space, died on Saturday, in an incident police have described as "unexplained." He was 42.

Parle -- who drummed on Space hits such as 'Neighbourhood', 'The Female of the Species' and 'Me and You Versus the World' -- was crossing the road in Dingle, Liverpool on Saturday night when he collapsed.

Passersby and paramedics gave help at the scene, and he was then taken to the Liverpool Royal Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

His former bandmate, Dave "Yorkie" Palmer, told the Liverpool Echo newspaper: "It's the saddest, most tragic end you could have."

He added: "Space continued to have success after Andy left but the band changed and lost something which Andy had contributed. Even though we had another brilliant drummer there was something about Andy's style which was unique."A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said they did not believe Parle had been assaulted or hit by a vehicle, but wanted any witnesses to his collapse to come forward.

She added: "Officers investigating the death are keen to speak with anyone who may have been in the area around this time and particularly any taxi drivers using this busy route to come forward.

"A post mortem will be held to establish the cause of death."

Parle was part of the Liverpool band's line-up when they became favourites of Radio 1 DJ Chris Evans, whose championing of the track 'The Female of the Species' helped Space become a radio staple during 1996. Space's melding of styles -- the retro lounge styling of 'Money' next to the staccato, ska-tinged 'Neighbourhood' -- made them a more inventive live prospect than many of their contemporaries.

Their debut album 'Spiders' reached platinum in the UK and the band also had limited success in the US. Prior to Parle's departure, the band had another UK hit with 'Me and You Versus the World'.

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Liam

RIP. One of my favourite bands back in the day. If you're from the uk. You would get them. Not really for the yanks though. More northern /scouse britpop.

August 17 2009 at 1:25 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Steve

Who cares that you don't care?

Why SHOULD we care?

August 04 2009 at 10:15 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Kathy

That was incredibly rude. Even if you don't care about who died, get some manners & let people who do express themselves without you simply saying things to disrespect their feelings. There must be an "I hate everyone & love to piss random people off" place for you to commiserate on the web somewhere. Go find it.

August 04 2009 at 9:51 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ROBERT PAULSON

IN THE PREVIOUS COMMENT I AM VERY SORRY FOR SAYING THE NAME "SPINNER" INSTEAD OF ANDY PARLE OF THE BAND SPACE. ONCE AGAIN I HOPE AND PRAY I DIDN'T INSULT OR HURT ANYBODY AT ALL IN THE PREVIOUS READER COMMENT.

August 04 2009 at 7:18 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Don

Wow, I am astounded at your callousness. I'm sure that's the reaction that you wanted. You will be. Mark my word. Are you ready? You will be.

August 04 2009 at 6:29 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Robin

9/11 was funny? My sister's husband died in tower 1 rescuing people he did not know and leaving behind two young children. Real funny Andrew

August 04 2009 at 4:37 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ROBERT PAULSON

IN THE STATES WE DO NOT KNOW WHO SPINNER IS. BUT A MAN AT 42 YEARS OLD PASSING IN HIS PRIME OF LIFE DOING WHAT HE ENJOYS MOST. I SAY REST IN PEACE. WHEN YOU MEET YOUR MAKER MAY IT BE A HAPPY MEETING. IN ANOTHER WORDS MAY YOU PLAY YOUR MUSIC IN HEAVEN AND NOT HAVE ANY CRITICS.

August 04 2009 at 4:27 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
gary

I'm sorry he died so young. Personally I just checked out some of their songs on itunes and they suck.

August 04 2009 at 3:44 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
robert

What is wrong with you people. Andrew has a right to his thoughts . Just cause you people don't agree with it don't make yours right

August 04 2009 at 3:07 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jdubrasky

I can sure bet won't be many grieving upon your death. I do so hope its slow enough for you to realize your dying and have some fear......

August 03 2009 at 11:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply