Teenager took life after split from band

An aspiring teenage rock star took his own life after his dreams of making it big were dashed, an inquest has found.

Ben Smith, 18, was found hanged at the family home in Huddersfield, after he was asked to leave an indie band, Bikini Black Special.

The bass guitarist believed the group were on the verge of being signed up to a big record label. However, his dreams were destroyed when he was told he was not part of the band's future.

The West Yorkshire Coroner Roger Whittaker recorded that he took his own life in August last year. He said it was clear that music had meant a lot to the teenager and the disappointment of being asked to leave the band had played on his mind.

A tribute on a website for the band attributed to fellow member Luke Fitton said: "Ben Smith was one of my best and closest friends. The hurt of Ben doing what he did has come as a huge shock to myself and all his family and friends, who will miss him enormously."

After the hearing, Julie and Mark Smith told the Yorkshire Post their son "was the kindest, loveliest lad you could ever wish to meet". Mrs Smith added: "His guitars are still propped up in the room where he left them. I keep expecting him to walk through the door."