THE family of a musician and keen photographer have paid tribute to him.

Neil Dearden, who lived in Leigh, played bass guitar for two bands, The Special Guests and Remnant.

The popular dad-of-two, who was joint organiser of the annual Rock ‘n’ Stroll music festival passed away at the age of 56 last week from lung cancer.

His wife of 24 years Elaine, 51, says she is not surprised at the flood of tributes that have poured in for Neil due to the sheer amount of people he knew.

She said: “Neil was chatty and very kind.

“He would do anything for anybody.

“He was extremely proud of his kids and of his long hippy hair.”

Neil also used his love of music to encourage others to play.

He leaves behind two children, Jake, 21, and Amber, 18.

Jake said: “It’s been lovely and heartwarming to see the tributes to my Dad on social media.

“We did not realise how many people he knew.”

Leigh Journal:

Bass player Neil in action

Leigh Journal:

Leigh Journal:

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During his career, dog lover Neil worked in jobs such as a drugs support worker, on the railways, a photographer and for a piping company.

Singer of The Special Guests Jim Harwood shared many good memories with Neil since the band was set up in 1992.

He recalls the enjoyment they got in writing songs together as a group and how Neil would often combine his love of photography at gigs to take pictures of other bands.

His funeral will take place at Howe Bridge Crematorium on Wednesday, January 29 at 11am with everyone welcome to attend.

Any donations will go to the neurology department at the Salford Royal Hospital, where Neil had brain surgery last year.