Tributes to musician who took own life

Fans of the rock act '“ which had made appearances on Jools Holland, recorded BBC sessions and picked up strong national press reviews '“ have flooded their website with condolences.

An inquest at Arundel heard last week that keyboard player Mark, who grew up in Aldingbourne, was found to have taken his own life.

The 36 year-old, who had a degree in music, was discovered hanging at his mother's address in Westergate on September 7.

Lead singer of the band, Raissa Khan-Panni, praised his songwriting efforts and said he would be deeply missed by the group.

He had played a central part in developing their sound, which has been inspired by orchestral works, fairytales and marching bands.

Raissa said the group, which released its debut album last year, have vowed to continue in tribute to their keyboard player.

"Mark was the most creative and unique person and we miss him terribly. He was an amazing performer and orchestrator and had a lovely gentle vibe," said the singer of their bandmate who had lived in Brighton where the group are based.

A statement on their website underlined the great affection they had for him and said that his 'spirit would live on' with their work.

On the day of Mr Horwood's death, police and ambulance crews were called to his mother's home, where the band's recording studio was reportedly based.

At the inquest it was said he was 'deeply affected' by the death of his grandmother who passed away. It had been her who had encouraged him to develop his passion for music. He also suffered since the loss of his father who died two years ago.

He was described as an 'outgoing, lively young man. A private man.' No suicide notes had been found and the reason why he took his own life was said to be a 'mystery'.

The post-mortem report, conducted at St Richard's Hospital, showed he had 288mg of alcohol in 100m of blood when he died.

West Sussex coroner Penelope Schofield recorded that he took his own life.

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