Featured Image Credit: Max George/Instagram/Alamy
Topics: Celebrity
Gregory Robinson
The Wanted's Max George paid tribute to his bandmate and "brother" Tom Parker by delivering a eulogy at his funeral on Wednesday.
George, 33, who served as a pallbearer at the funeral, told attendees: “I could actually hear him saying, ‘It’s about time’, as he carried us for the last 12 years.
“Tom was always a brother, he made such an impact from the start. His love for music and striving for success outmatched all of us.”
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He also joked joked that Parker had been the only member of the chart-topping band to have had a “punch-up” with all his bandmates, which led to laughter from those in attendance.
“Everything he did he did with best intentions, even if it was a fight, he got away with it because it was Tom," he said.
“I could say so much about Tom. One thing I will always remember is his laugh. He loves laughing at people and we experienced that every day.
“He has left us far too early and we will miss him so much. The people outside, the people all around the world, is a credit to him. Rest easy mate.”
Champagne Supernova by Oasis played as Parker’s coffin was carried into St Francis of Assisi church in Petts Wood for the funeral service in south-east London.
Parker’s coffin was decorated with a multicoloured flower arrangement which read “Daddy” in a horse-drawn carriage and heart-shaped red roses spelling “Tom”.
Fans lined the streets and watched the procession route along Petts Wood High Street to pay their respects.
Parker’s wife Kelsey asked fans to come along to pay their respects along the route before his friends and family took part in a private service.
Parker died on 30th March aged 33 after battling an inoperable brain tumour.
It was Kelsey who first confirmed the news of Tom's death, issuing a statement that read: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we confirm Tom passed away peacefully earlier today with all of his family by his side.
"Our hearts are broken, Tom was the centre of our world and we can’t imagine life without his infectious smile and energetic presence.
"We are truly thankful for the outpouring of love and support and ask that we all unite to ensure Tom’s light continues to shine for his beautiful children. Thank you to everyone who has supported in his care throughout, he fought until the very end. I’m forever proud of you".
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