RIP: Musicians, fans in shock after guitarist Sonam Sherpa’s death

Guwahati: The sudden and untimely demise of Sonam Sherpa, the founding member and lead guitarist of popular Indian rock band Parikrama, on Friday has sent shock waves across the country. Most people known to him are still in a state of disbelief about the musician’s death and the news has saddened music lovers and fans across the nation.

Bandmate Subir Malik, while on his way to the guitarist’s home in New Delhi, told EastMojo that Sonam was in Kurseong to record the music for an upcoming movie.

“I heard the news a few minutes ago. I am myself in a state of shock and on my way to the deceased’s home in New Delhi to meet his family. I am told he suffered a massive cardiac arrest there,” Malik said.

The news has also come as a shocker for the music fraternity of the country, especially those who were his contemporaries and shared the same stage with Sherpa on many occasions. Bands such as Acrid Semblance, Level 9, Them Clones, Zero, Moksha, Motherjane and Demonic Resurrection are some of them that once rocked the entire nation alongside Parikrama. However, the demise of the iconic musician has left them in a state of shock.

Speaking with EastMojo, Naga musician Alobo Naga, vocalist, Alobo Naga and Band, who shared stage with Parikrama at the Hornbill International Music Festival in 2013 and on several other occassions, said, “We lost a legend, a hero to so many musicians in India. I will cherish the memories, sharing the stage with him in many occasion.”

Also Read: Parikrama lead guitarist Sonam Sherpa passes away at 48

Girish Pradhan of Girish & the Chronicles, said, “He was like a roof for all of us rock musicians. A brother, a gentle human being. We had good times together. It’s truly a huge loss. I still can’t believe it.”

Sudarshan Chetlur, drummer of Heavens Down said, “It is a state of disbelief. He was just 48. He was such a very kind gentleman. It is actually a loss when rock and roll in the country is at the brink of extinction. I have known the band for a long time and it is shattering to lose such people. My heart goes out to the family members and the band members who has been holding ground for such a long time. We don’t get to see that any more. His style, his guitaring and his showmanship has inspired so many and will always be remembered.”

Anubhav Mishra, vocalist, Acrid Semblance, said: “It is extremely shocking and right now I am just thinking about his family, friends and students. He used to teach music to children in Haus Khas Village and when you teach you become their guide. It is such a strong bond that you share. And when you think of Prikrama, it is like constant. They have been there for such a long time. I got to know about it few moments ago and I still can’t process it.”

Sahil Makhila of Demonic Resurrection said: “I am completely shocked to hear about the news. It is hard to put into words. Parkirama was one of the first bands that I heard of and they have been there for such a long time. He was such a showman and a great musician.”

Nolan Lewis of Kryptos added; “He was always very nice and down to earth and Parikrama has been there for such a long time. I was shocked to hear about it. He was so young. I can’t really think how to put it in words.”

According to reports, 48-years-old Sherpa suffered a cardiac arrest. Apart from being a part of Parikrama since its inception, he also taught music to children at Parikrama School of Music in Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi.

Several others took to social media to offer their condolences to the late musician. Here are a few of them: