Tributes to dad of two who died at just 54

Tributes have poured in for a well respected Liverpool musician who died earlier this month.

Simon McKelvie , a former member of Liverpool band Courarge De Sarge died at home on May 16.

Simon, a dad-of-two, was 54.

Now former bandmates and friends have come forward to pay tribute to Simon, who was a multi-talented musician known for his song writing craft.

Simon, from Wavertree, also contributed to local initiatives including a community cafe.

He also performed with Pete Wylie at the 2008 Capital of Culture Arena Concert and had also worked with a number of tribute acts over the years such as Abba Forever and The Smiths Indeed.

Dave Asbridge remembered his friend's talent.

He said: "Simon was so talented and such a nice guy. You could not fall out with him or even argue. It was not in him.

"He was a gifted song writer and guitar player who really was multi-talented. After his time with Courarge De Sarge he became a well respected professional musician.

"I remember Simon as a positive force and an inspiration. "

Dave told the ECHO that he first met Simon around the Quiggins building in the 1980s.

He added: "Looking back Simon was always a star that should have made it but didn't."

Life-long fiend Paul Tsanos remembered Simon's ability to "get a tune out of anything."

He said: "Simon was a very talented singer song writer, guitarist who could also play drums. "

Paul said that Simon had little time for the mainstream music industry over recent years.

He said: "Yes when Simon was younger he had aspirations and wanted to get on. But the music industry has changed so much since the 80s and I don't think there was a market anymore for the music that Simon was involved in.

"I think over recent years Simon wanted to be happy with his own output - that was the main thing. He was also a family man and worked as a professional musician to help pay the bills and all of that."

Paul explained that Simon's wife Fiona died last year.

He said: "Simon's wife Fiona died last year and it was obviously hard for him. I understand he experiences some heart problems over the last year and that led to his death earlier this month.

"Simon was always very healthy and was a keen walker and cyclist. His death is such a shock for his friends and family."

Paul said he would miss his friend.

He said: "Yes I will miss his talent, affability and he was also my sounding board. I used to go to Simon with all my ideas and concepts.

"He was always there for me."