BY CHEMELLE RICE
The sad news that Christopher Hardman in dead, probably due to suicide, is a grim reminder of the effects depression can have on people. More importantly also is the need for available help whenever such disturbing signs come to light. The talented singer had once articulated via social media that he looked forward to the day there would be a way out of depression without taking your own life. His battle with the demons of depression had been documented before, but it was hoped and believed that he would eventually overcome it.
A young talent ,he launched his singing career after finding fame on the reality show “Rock School” alongside rock legend Gene Simmons (Whose show it was). The 24-year-old, who starred in the Channel 4 edgy programme, rapidly rose to fame after its short release in January 2006. Chris who was only 15 at the time appeared in just two series of Channel 4’s Rock Schoolset at the Kirkley High School in Lowestoft, Suffolk which catapulted him to fame. Hardman’s last single to be released was called “Christmas Number One” released back in December 2013. He had recently performed in the stage musical Loserville. The story is based on the album “Welcome to Loserville” from James Bourne’s second band, “Son of Dork”, who created the music throughout alongside Elliot Davis, who has an exclusive song writing contract with Warner/Chappell Music.
THE START
The pop rock stars debut single “Checkin’ It Out” was released back in September 2006. The track reached No. 3 in the UK Singles Chart, not bad for his first single right. Chris then went on to perform a prime cover of Justin Timberlake’s “SexyBack” on BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge session, giving the boy even more coverage. A newly named Lil’ Chris then released his very first debut solo album, self-titled “Lil’ Chris” in January 2006, not even 16 years of age. He continued to promote and release several singles from his debut album throughout the following year, as well as performing as a supporting act for McFly. Such a great accomplishment at that young age.
The newly reformed McFly member Harry Judd, drummer of McBusted tweeted: “Shocked and saddened to hear the news about Lil’ Chris. He supported us a while back and was a little star and an awesome guy.”
999 Call
The force was called to the address in Union Road, Lowestoft, at around 11:45 GMT to reports that “a man” had died suddenly, a spokeswoman clarified “Suffolk Police said the death was not being treated as suspicious. A post-mortem examination to establish the cause of death is due to take place, and a file will be passed to the coroner” she added.
Gene Simmons, 65- who appeared with the young man in “Rock School” played Lil’ Chris’s music teacher, left Chris with a tribute on his twitter page, “He was loved,” the Kiss frontman continued with a heartfelt message “I’ll miss his smile and spirit, I knew there was something special about him as soon as I met him. He will be greatly missed.”
That wasn’t the only shocked celebrity to respond to the devastating news: The Strictly Come Dancing champion and Ex to One Direction Beau Harry Styles, Caroline Flack tweeted: “He was a regular guest on [CBBC show] TMi Friday. Always always such a polite lovely guy. That’s so sad.”
His mother Karen Hardman has shockingly shared a number of pictures with her and her son just a day after his death, some may say that’s too soon but everyone copes and deals with tragedy differently. We send our best wishes and condolences to her and the rest of the family at this hard time.
Adding to the pool of tributes was Chris’s long term friend Lloyd Wilkinson, who recorded a single together with the deceased star. He shared a post yesterday that read “I cannot believe I’m doing this and I’m completely devastated”. Lloyd, saying nothing else besides showing shock which is clearly evidential. This news is too much for some friends to digest and bear at the current time. Home town shout outs came from the 26 year old, Lowestoft boxer Anthony Ogogo. The boys are said to have attended the same school. Ogogo called him a “super-talented kid” adding “Thoughts go out to his family. Such a shame. Really nice guy and positive role model for our area,”
Our condolences go to his friends and family and friends. May his soul rest in perfect peace