Southend music stalwart Duncan Leslie tributes paid

Duncan Leslie was a Southend music stalwart who had been involved in many gigs at the city’s iconic Railway Hotel pub.

People across Southend have paid tribute to Mr Leslie in an outpouring of grief on social media.

Mr Leslie’s niece, Ellen Leslie, said: “RIP to one of the greatest men around, he truly was an incredible, inspirational and funny guy. I will forever miss your big hugs, your infectious smile and your political rants on Facebook.

“So grateful to have had you in my life. Couldn’t have asked for a better uncle.”

Venue - The Railway Hotel pub (Image: File photo)

Fiona Dulake, who ran the Railway Hotel for almost 13 years, said: “Our Railway family lost someone dear to them yesterday - a legend, a one of a kind and a totally irreplaceable guy.

“He was so very much part of our Railway years. He did sound for many gigs there - performed himself on stage, to which he always proper gave it.

“He attended/supported so many gigs over the years, even our latest one - Pillage Scream, just over two weeks ago.

“You will be missed by so, so many people mate, but ‘here’s the thing’, not one of ‘em will ever forget you.”

Phil Burdett said: “Very sad to hear of the passing of Duncan Leslie, a stalwart of the Southend scene and particularly the old Railway heyday.

“It’ll be a smaller town knowing he ain’t about... RIP big fella.”

Zoe TwoDots described Mr Leslie as a “pure fierce radiant sunshine and that kind of light does not go out”.

They said: “I know Southend will be feeling the loss very deeply.

“The biggest diamond in Southend’s rock ‘n’ roll crowd, Duncan, you were always a safe space, a hoot and a fount of wit and wisdom, and no one gave a bigger bear hug.

“I got to know this force of nature when I was playing drums on the Southend scene. Duncan was always there doing the sound, at the Railway Hotel and elsewhere, often rocking out on stage himself, and keeping everything grounded.”