TRIBUTES have been paid to one of the leading figures of the music scene in East Lancashire, Cliff Stocker, who died at the weekend.

Cliff, lead singer with the band Slack Alice, died in hospital after a short illness, aged 70.

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As well as fronting the blues band, which he first formed in 1973 and then reformed in 1996, Cliff also played a key role in developing emerging talent in the area.

Alison Goode, chief executive of Pendle Leisure Trust, said: “Cliff was one of the nicest men anybody could ever meet. He was a true gent with a heart of gold.

“For the last eight years Cliff was instrumental in putting together the line-up for the acoustic and roadhouse stages at the Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival.

“He loved seeing new bands coming through. He was always very proud when he discovered new talent who went down well at the festival.”

Although he lived in Barnoldswick for many years, Cliff never lost his Geordie accent. His gruff singing voice earned him comparisons with the likes of Joe Cocker and Rod Stewart.

Cliff worked alongside Pete Barton at Clitheroe-based Rock Artist Management, promoting numerous bands around the UK.

Pete said: “He was like an enthusiastic teenager, he was round every day with an idea for a song or just to chat about music.

“He knew everyone in the music business. He was a genuinely nice guy and in rock and roll there aren’t that many people you can say that about. He just got on with everyone.

“I’m proud to be able to say he was my mate."

“There were so many chapters left in Cliff’s book to write which will now never get finished.”

Paul Nuttall, of Reidy’s Music in Blackburn was a close personal friend.

He said: “Cliff had a tremendous influence on the local music scene. He had this wonderful enthusiasm for everything he did and was just so generous. He was a true inspiration. It’s just such a sad loss.”

Matt Evans, programme manager at the Grand in Clitheroe said: “Cliff recorded his last two albums at The Grand’s recording studio and performed a number of times at the venue with Slack Alice over the years.

“He was in and out of the place a lot and his infectious personality made its mark on everyone who came into contact with him.”

As well as music, fashion played a key role in Cliff’s life. He spent many years as a fashion buyer.

Cliff was family friends of Stephen Collins and Jan Dickinson of Scruples Menswear in Barrowford for many years.

Jan had been working to bring the Mancini fashion brand into stores across the UK and called on Cliff to help.

“I joked I’d brought him out of retirement,” said Jan, “but he loved being involved.

“I probably spent three days every week with Cliff over the past couple of years,” said Jan. “I’m just shocked he’s no longer with us.”

Award-winning blues singer Lucy Zirins from Burnley said: “Cliff was the one who took a chance on me when I was 16 and booked me for the acoustic stage at Colne for the blues festival. That opened so many doors for me. I owe him an awful lot."

“He was always so encouraging and supportive and even when I moved down to London he would ring me and give me some advice and just be there.

“A lot of people will be very sad to hear the news.”

Cliff leaves his wife Anne and a son. Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.