Beloved musician Dave Sirmon has died suddenly while touring with country star Mark Chesnutt. Dave played bass in Mark’s touring band and died “in his sleep” while on board the tour bus last weekend. Mark and his band are currently touring in the US, with upcoming dates in Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois later this month.

An emotional Mark posted an emotional tribute to his colleague and friend on social media, writing: “I lost my buddy Dave Sirmon Saturday night while on the road. Dave played bass guitar in my band. He was a great musician and friend. He was such a hard worker and very hands-on with everything on the road. He was somebody I could really depend on not only for playing music but for every aspect of the road. Advice, music, songs, the bus. Everything.

“He was quiet but so funny with a great sense of humour. He was the perfect country gentleman and an amazing man. One of the most positive people I’ve ever known.

“I never heard him complain one time. When you saw Dave, you saw light and would immediately smile. That was Dave. He will always ride with us in spirit and in heart. We will miss you, brother. -MC.”

Dave’s wife Louise confirmed that her husband “did pass away in his sleep on the tour bus”, adding: “I will share memorial plans when they are in place, but they will likely not be for a few weeks.”

No cause of death has been given.

He originally joined the band’s line-up in 2024 after working as a recording engineer and running his own radio station.

It comes after Mark faced health problems of his own last year, being rushed to hospital just moments before he was set to go on stage in Louisiana. His band went ahead with the show without Mark, who underwent tests for “low sodium count and extreme high blood pressure”.