A large number of tributes have been paid to a well-known local ‘Bushy’s stalwart’ and music lover who suddenly passed away recently at a music festival in Blackpool.

Raz McVeighty worked for Manx Gas in the stores on Douglas North Quay for several years, and most recently collected trollies at Tesco.

Raz has been described as a ‘stalwart’ of Bushy’s Brew Pub on Victoria Street in the late 1980s and early 1990s, before becoming a regular at the Rovers Return in Douglas after the Bushy’s pub closed down in 1998.

He was also well-known for collecting glasses from a variety of pubs across the island, and organised a Bushy’s reunion party every December.

Martin Brunnschwieler, the former owner of Bushy's brewery, commented: ‘I knew Raz almost like a brother and it’s come as a huge shock to everyone that knew him.

‘Raz epitomised what Bushy’s was about in too many ways to mention, and was a stalwart for over forty years.

‘He was unofficially known as the island’s “best known goth” which inspired us to name our popular Goth IPA after him with his image on the label.

‘It hasn’t sunk in yet but he’s going to be hugely missed by a lot of people.’

He was also a huge fan of live music, performing in a band called the ‘Bastinados’ and regularly going away to gigs in the UK.

His admiration for the local music scene has been reflected in a number of tributes from bands across the Isle of Man.

Punk trio Smoking Fingers commented: ‘He was a truly lovely fella, always making people feel at home and striking conversation with more or less everybody.

‘We were really looking forward to seeing him at the upcoming gigs, so we’ll be raising a good few drinks to him when the time comes!’

‘Rest easy mate, you’ll be missed.’

Football was also one of Raz’s many passions, with him being a huge fan of York City FC.

He also played football in the island, with Malew AFC being one of the clubs he played for.

A spokesperson from Malew AFC commented: ‘Rest in peace to former Malew player Raz McVeighty who has sadly passed away.

‘He was a true character recognised by so many!’

A Crowdfunder page was also recently set up to raise the necessary funds for Raz to return home from Blackpool for a ‘proper send off’.

The crowdfunder description reads: ‘Raz passed away doing what he did best - attending a music event in Blackpool.

‘Raz has a brother and sister in the Isle of Man, who need to get him back home. The cost of this is in the region of £2,000.

‘The aim of this fundraiser is to cover the cost of his repatriation to the IOM and for any remaining funds to go towards his headstone and to give him the send off he deserves.’

Over £6,000 has already been raised through the Crowdfunder.

To find out more or donate, you can visit https://tinyurl.com/58xeu7s3