Chart-topping singer and Celebrity Traitors star Paloma Faith has shared a profoundly emotional account of her friend's death, revealing he passed away just minutes after she sent him a final, heartfelt message.
A 'Slow' Farewell and a Final Tour
Speaking tearfully on her Mad, Sad and Bad podcast, Faith reflected on the 2022 death of her close friend and music director, Kevin Banks, who was known professionally as B.B Bones. She described his passing from cancer as a "really slow way" to die, noting his remarkable determination to continue working throughout his illness.
In a poignant twist, Banks joined Faith on her 2021 tour despite his diagnosis. "I thought he would be dead by the time we did this tour," Faith admitted, explaining she had already written songs about his impending death, including If This Is Goodbye, which she performed nightly with him on stage. "It was so weird," she recalled.
The Last Bow and a Final Message
Faith remembered their final performance together vividly. "On the last day of the tour, I remember hugging him for our final bow," she said. When she asked, "Is that the last time we’ll ever play together?" he replied, "Yeah, I think so."
After the tour, Banks entered a hospice. In a moment of raw honesty and love, Faith sent him a voice note. "I said, ‘You’ve done so much and we love you so much, but it’s time for you to go because you’re tired. Don’t hold on anymore because you need a rest,'" she shared. Apparently, just two minutes later, he stopped breathing.
A Lasting Legacy and Personal Updates
Faith had previously paid tribute to Banks on social media following his death three years ago, calling him "one of the most inspiring people in my tribe" and expressing her heartbreak that he wouldn't join future tours.
The singer frequently uses her podcast and social media to connect with fans. In a happier update earlier this year, she announced she is expecting her third child with her boyfriend, music venue director Stevie Thomas. She humorously referred to it as a "geriatric pregnancy" in an October Instagram post.
Faith is already a mother to two daughters, born in December 2016 and February 2021, whom she shares with her ex-partner, French artist Leyman Lahcine.
