In April 2024, the Welsh rock band Rockabye Reaper collaborated with their bandmate Dan Clarke—who was also Howard Jones’s full-time pianist—to co-write a song titled ‘Wearing Thin.’ They recorded a live performance of the track, unaware that it would be their final collaboration. Tragically, in July 2024, Dan suffered a fatal heart attack at just 32 years old.
Come September, Rockabye Reaper made the heartfelt decision to release the song in his memory and filmed the latter part of its accompanying video. The initial segment features footage from their last performance together. Rockabye Reaper has chosen to unveil this poignant rock ballad created alongside Dan Clarke prior to his untimely passing in July as a tribute to him.
Dan was an exceptionally gifted pianist who began his career as a stagehand for his childhood idol, Howard Jones. Recognising Dan’s musical prowess, Howard invited him to support him on his UK tour. This opportunity evolved into an invitation for Dan to join Howard’s band full-time. Over the subsequent years, he travelled globally with Howard and performed for countless audiences. Eventually reconnecting with his longtime friend Keeley and after listening to early demo tapes from Rockabye Reaper, Dan became an integral member of the group. His influence on Rockabye Reaper was truly significant.
“The song is a ballad in memory of those lost before their time. When we miss those we have lost and they feel like they’re so far away, yet still so close, as if they are just the other side of the door. We cannot see them, or hear them, but we know they are still there. Just out of reach but still close enough to feel their presence.”
– Rockabye Reaper
‘Wearing Thin’ is not only about loss but also about connection—the ties we have with those we’ve loved and lost linger long after they’re gone. Join Rockabye Reaper in celebrating Dan’s life through this beautiful ballad!
