Mike 'Beard Guy' Taylor death: Walk Off the Earth keyboardist and vocalist dies

'Mike had a love for life that was unmatched and a willingness to give that went beyond ordinary means,' the band wrote in a statement

Mike “Beard Guy” Taylor, keyboardist and vocalist for the band Walk Off the Earth, has died.

The band confirmed the news in a statement posted to social media, writing: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved brother and band member, Mike ‘Beard Guy’ Taylor.”

“Mike had a love for life that was unmatched and a willingness to give that went beyond ordinary means. He passed peacefully from natural causes last night in his sleep.”

“Our deepest sympathies are with his two children, whom he adored more than anything else in the world. We ask for privacy for his family in this trying time.”

The Canadian indie pop band, founded in 2006, are best-known for their covers of pop hits, posted to YouTube, played on unexpected instruments, such as the ukulele and theremin.

Their cover of “Somebody That I Used to Know”, posted in 2012, has been viewed more than 185m times. It features all five band members simultaneously playing a single guitar and singing in harmony.

In 2018, they released the single “Fifth Avenue”, alongside an EP titled Subscribe to the Holidays.

Taylor had posted a solo piano rendition of “O Holy Night” on Facebook, just before Christmas, adding that it was “hands down my favourite Christmas song”.

The band was scheduled to perform on New Year's Eve in Niagara Falls for CBC, forming the launch of a world tour.

Billy Talent bassist Jonathan Gallant wrote on Twitter: “Gutted to hear about this. Mike Taylor was a great guy and a hockey brother. In the dressing room he talked most about his kids and always added a thoughtful kind approach to any conversation. RIP buddy.”

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