The family of Piccadilly Rats dancer Ray Boddington have said they want everyone to know how much he loved performing as he fights for life in hospital.
Ray, 77, was seriously injured after being struck by a tram near to the Arndale shopping centre on Wednesday at around 7pm.
He has been on a life-support machine ever since while his family have keeping vigil by his bedside.
Ray's family are returning to Salford Royal Hospital later today to find out how he has been responding to tests.
Daniel Boddington, Ray's son, said his dad would want the people of Manchester to know how much he loved dancing for them.
The 32-year-old told the M.E.N: "They said yesterday if he didn't recover in 48 hours we would have to switch off the machine.
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"We are going back today and his grandaughters.
"The thing with my dad is, he suffered a stroke, a minor heart attack, a blood clot on his brain, he has been shot and stabbed. All of these things have not stopped my dad. He is a fighter, but this time it has caught up with him."
He added: "My dad dances because he loves everyone. He used to get up at 5am in the morning to get to Manchester for 8am in the morining. He loved it.
"He loved to dance in town, to make everybody happy. The situation with the bomb and stuff, he wanted to make it fun again. He wanted to put smiles on people's faces.
"My dad is the heart of Manchester. People look forward to see him. He makes everyone happy. My dad loved it. It is the last thing he would want to say. All his family and friends and fans in Manchester, he would want everyone to know."
Daniel also requested if Piccadilly Rats fans could refrain from setting up any online fundraising pages and leave it to the family to organise.
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The tram was travelling from Market Street, in the direction of Manchester Victoria, when the collision took place at the junction of High Street and Church.
An investigation into the circumstances behind the collision is underway and the incident has been referred to the Rail Accident Investigation Branch.
Messages of support for Ray, of Salford, and the Piccadilly Rats have been pouring in since the tragic news broke yesterday morning.
Ste Ridyard wrote on Facebook: "Always thought they were really good these guys, certainly true Mancs."
Ian Fisher said: "Get well soon you legend of Manchester always made me for one happy when I seen you guys trying to make the city a happier place."
Musician Ray, a retired hairdresser, has previously appeared on the X Factor, and also turned up on daytime courtroom series Judge Rinder.
The Piccadilly Rats lineup includes founders Gaz Stanley and Ray Boddington - plus an array of friends they've met along the way, including Tommy Trouble, drummer Alan Jones, and teenage bassist Robert Branch.
As well as their performances in Manchester city centre, the band have played at festivals including Kendal Calling and Parklife.
