Frankie and the Heartstrings heartbroken over drummer's death

The drummer in the Sunderland indie band Frankie and the Heartstrings has died.

The band confirmed on social media Dave Harper, who was in his 40s, died in hospital on Wednesday night.

A tweet from the band said they were "heartbroken" to hear about his death and described him as "an unforgettable legend".

Harper, from Murton, was also known for being one of the owners of Sunderland's Pop Recs in High Street West.

The band's tweet said: "We are desperately sad to announce that our dearest friend and drummer Dave Harper passed away in hospital."

The band added: "Where do we even start to describe what kind of person he was and what he meant to so many.

"This legend was unforgettable and we're heartbroken over this loss."

The shop, in Sunderland's former tourist information office, was originally only meant to be open for a few weeks.

But the band kept it going and it also became a community hub, hosting regular music tuition plus poetry, stitching and toddler groups and hosted in-store gigs by acts including Franz Ferdinand and James Bay.

The band moved out in July 2015 after Sunderland City Council, which owned the building, sold it for student flats.

The shop then moved to Stockton Road and then more recently to High Street West.

The shop remembered Harper on Facebook, saying the drummer was "the most wonderful father, friend, husband, songwriter, drummer and do-gooder".

Further tributes have been paid on social media.

Super Furry Animals singer Gruff Rhys said: "So sorry to hear this - sending you all, all the best - hard to imagine a world without his enthusiasm and passion, I've never met anyone like him."

Bob Hardy, Franz Ferdinand's bass player, said: "I can't believe this. Unbelievably sad news. Thinking about all of you guys and his friends and family."

The Futureheads posted they were "heartbroken" to hear the news.

Sage Gateshead said it was "sad news".

The Cultural Spring project, which encourages young people to get involved with the arts, said Harper was "a powerhouse of Sunderland's music scene".

The cause of his death has not yet been made public.