Tributes have been paid to a talented Scots musician who died suddenly days before Christmas. Paul Shearer, known as 'Tank' to friends, has been described as a "beautiful person" who had a refreshing outlook on life.
The pub performer and music tutor, from Dumbarton, was due to ring in the bells at Fenton's Bar in Alexandria with a live set from 9pm to 1am.
His devastated sister Laura led the tributes. She said: "Paul Shearer. Our big brother, a son, a cousin, a boyfriend & a friend to so many and an amazing musician.
"Don’t even know what words to use just now but on behalf of my family thank you for your kind words, thoughts and visits.
"We are all in total shock that life won’t be the same without you here with us.
"I'm absolutely devastated you won’t get to meet your niece but I’ll make sure she knows exactly who you were and can’t wait to tell her stories about her Uncle Paul (with the mental hair) she will “Aim for the stars” and she will know you're up there.
"I know you’ll be welcomed with so many open arms up there and you’ll be jamming with the angels, I love you brother and I'm going to miss you so much.
"Rest in Peace."
One pal wrote: "Thoughts are with anyone close to Paul Shearer.
"Last time I spoke to him he graciously accepted a compliment I gave him in Tullie during his performance.
"Never, ever walked by me in public without a smile and a hello. Genuinely good guy, and a superb performer. RIP Tank, and my thoughts are with all the people who were lucky enough to be around him regularly."
Another added: "Absolutely gutted to hear the news about Paul Shearer yesterday!! A true gentleman and a fantastic musician with a beautifully refreshing outlook on life! RIP big yin."
While a third said: "Gutted to hear about the passing of Paul Shearer. An absolute amazing talent and a beautiful person! Thinking of all his friends and family at the tough time."
And a fourth wrote: "Rest In Peace tank and absolute legend and total gentleman you lived the dream big man fly high up there till we meet again my friend."
A fundraising page has now been set up to help Paul's family at this sad time, with donations currently sitting at just under £3,500. A post on the page said: "Just a small donation of anything at all to help contribute to Paul’s family who we all know at this time will be deeply saddened by the passing of such a young talented man."
Donations to the fundraising page can be made by clicking here.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
