The music world is mourning the untimely loss of Faye Fantarrow, the 21-year-old British singer who had recently signed with the renowned musician Dave Stewart’s music label. Faye was a shining star, celebrated as one of the brightest emerging talents in the UK music scene. Her promising career was cut short when she succumbed to a rare brain tumor on Saturday, August 26, 2023, as announced by her mother, Pam.
A Heartbreaking Farewell to Faye Fantarrow : A Young Artist’s Courageous Battle
Faye’s family shared the heartbreaking news on her Instagram page alongside a poignant black-and-white photograph of the young artist dipping her hand into water. Their message began with the words, “We are beyond grief, We are broken beyond repair, We are cast adrift, beyond despair.” They expressed the immense void left in their lives by Faye’s passing, revealing that she passed away at home after bravely battling leukemia not once, but twice, first at the age of eight and then again at 13.
Tragically, Faye was diagnosed with a rare glioma brain tumor in September 2022, marking yet another formidable challenge in her young life. Her family reflected on her relentless determination and courage in the face of adversity, stating, “Faye fought with a strength and bravery that kept her with those she so desperately loved and who loved her beyond compare.” They remembered her as a radiant and kind-hearted soul who brought joy, laughter, and the gift of music into the lives of those around her. They concluded their message with a heartfelt tribute: “Shine bright my baby.”
Dave Stewart, the legendary guitarist and songwriter from Eurythmics who had signed Faye to his Bay Street Records label in 2021, responded to the post with deep sadness, saying, “She Broke The Mould, This Breaks My Heart.”
Dave shared his profound grief, recalling the creative synergy he had with Faye during the making of her debut album last summer. He described Faye as a joy to be around, full of humor and sharp wit, a true artist in every sense. Dave expressed how witnessing Faye at work had left an indelible mark on him, cherishing those moments forever. He also acknowledged the strength and dignity exhibited by Faye and her mother, Pam, as they battled against the odds for Faye’s survival. Dave lamented the world’s loss of Faye’s extraordinary talent and called her “one of the true greats,” praising her lyrical and melodic prowess.
Faye Fantarrow, born on April 28, 2002, had garnered attention from BBC Music Introducing, earning the distinction of being ‘One to Watch.’ In 2021, she was honored with the Alan Hull Songwriting Award, a testament to her songwriting prowess. Faye’s indomitable spirit shone through as she embarked on a fundraising campaign to finance experimental treatment at the City of Hope in California to combat her aggressive brain tumor. Her efforts raised over £235,000, but unfortunately, she was too ill to return for follow-up care.
The surplus funds from Faye’s campaign were generously donated to charity to support further research in her memory. Faye herself shared her passion for music, stating, “Life very rarely goes to plan, but the plan was always to write, sing, and perform, and I’ve been lucky to be able to do that.”
Faye Fantarrow’s untimely departure has left a void in the music world, but her talent and spirit will forever be remembered and cherished by those who were fortunate enough to be touched by her artistry.
