Double shock for local music lovers

One shock is bad enough, but when you have got to face two…in one day, it can certainly unnerve you, and make you feel depressed, as well.Last Tuesday/Wednesday turned out to be full of sadness for those closely associated with the local music scene.

First came the news that Aubrey Weiman, leader of the group Heat, had passed away – suddenly.Before music lovers could recover from that shock, another shocker came their way – the death of ex-Friends bassist and singer, Ushan Gunesekere.

Both Aubrey and Ushan did have problems, connected with their health, they say, and their demise is connected with those health issues.Aubrey died of a sudden heart attack, while Ushan, according to reports coming our way, had major issues with his liver.

Music lovers are certainly going to miss the vocals of Aubrey Weiman as he was the star of the group Heat.It was always Aubrey and Heat, and they certainly did heat up the scene, wherever they performed – either locally, or abroad.

One fan had this to say on social media:”Thank you, Aubrey, for all the entertainment you provided to the Antonian’s, and their friends in Canada, for three consecutive years.

“It’s so very sad that the world has lost a fantastic musician, a great entertainer and a wonderful human being.”

Ushan Gunesekere was the group Friend’s replacement for Chitral Somapala, and he and his family (wife Kay Jay, and daughter) made Germany their home.

Kay Jay was a known singer, as well, before leaving the shores of Sri Lanka, and is now heavily involved in the cosmetic scene.

Just a few days, before his death, Ushan, and Kay Jay had visited his former band leader’s home (drummer Nihar Hamid) for a hopper feed.

Also present, that night, was Friend’s original female vocalist Suzie Fluckiger (Croner) and they all had a great time, she said.

And, then Ushan’s death, a few days later, shocked them all.