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The popular British sea shanty singing group Fisherman's Friends has been devastated by the death of its tour manager and grave injuries to a singer.

Singer Trevor Grills was said by band mate Jon Cleave Monday to be "fighting for his life" after a pre-concert accident that killed tour manager Paul McMullen on Saturday.

Police say both men were trapped underneath a door at the loading bay of a concert venue in Guildford, 35 miles (55 kilometres) southwest of London.

St. George's Hospital said Monday that Grills is in critical condition. He reportedly suffered severe head injuries.

The 10-piece band from Cornwall had become unlikely favourites in England, signing a lucrative recording contract and releasing a top-10 album.

The band was discovered singing traditional songs in a local pub.