Siva Kaneswaren, a member of The Wanted alongside the late Tom Parker, has opened up about the profound impact of Tom’s untimely death at the age of 33 on his own life.
Currently backing Memory Bank, an innovative art installation that pays tribute to brain cancer patients and their families, Siva has been prompted to contemplate his personal journey.
In an exclusive interview with the Express, Siva disclosed how Tom’s passing motivated him to confront his deepest fears.
“Tom lived life to the fullest when he found out about his diagnosis, and his passing made me realize how death can teach us to truly live. Following that, I decided to face all the things that scared me because they didn’t compare to what he endured. Despite my fears, I took on challenges like Celebrity SAS and Dancing on Ice, where I paid tribute to him,” Siva recollected.
“I pushed myself to do things I had avoided. I even participated in a theater production to learn Spanish, and coincidentally, it involved singing in Spanish. All of this happened right after Tom’s passing. Additionally, I reconnected with my family, including surprising my mom in Ireland for her birthday,” he shared.
Reflecting on his final moments with Tom, Siva revealed the emotional depth of their bond. “We grew closer towards the end. We resolved our conflicts, expressed sentiments we never imagined sharing, and shed tears together. All our past disagreements seemed insignificant, and the memories we created together are invaluable,” he recounted.
After Tom’s death, Siva and The Wanted members found themselves navigating the grieving process in the public eye, a situation he discussed with someone who could empathize – Danny from The Script, who also lost a bandmate.
Discussing the cathartic nature of public expression, Siva emphasized the importance of sharing his emotions while on tour with The Wanted 2.0, especially during performances of their song “Gold Forever,” which holds a special significance in memory of Tom.
Driven by these deep emotions, Siva has thrown his support behind the Memory Bank initiative, highlighting the installation’s focus on preserving positive memories for individuals affected by glioblastoma.
The Memory Bank display is currently showcased at Westgate Shopping Centre in Oxford and will later move to the GenesisCare Centre in Oxford. It is accessible through the GenesisCare website for further details.