Music lovers have been left saddened by the death of a popular Colchester musician who has died at the age of 66.

Grahame Andrew, a stalwart of the Colchester band scene since the 1970s, died suddenly, but peacefully, at home.

He had weathered surgery for throat cancer, which damaged his tenor voice, but he never ceased to write and record songs, and play guitar, in his various groups.

Grahame, whose late mother was a professional band singer, attended the Gilberd School from 1969 to 74. There, he met kindred spirits with whom he would go on to play, in various bands.

His first job was at Colchester’s now-legendary Howard Leach Records – Howard sometimes let his employee’s band, Bugs, rehearse in the shop after hours.

Then followed a string of jobs as a record company rep; MCA, EMI, Virgin and his “dream job” – making lists for iTunes. More recently he represented Vancols Photographers.

(Image: Family) Missed - Grahame Andrew will be sorely missed by friends, family, and fans of live music

His very first group was a folk quartet, Otta, followed by a number of bands whose remits were in some cases original music, and in others, affectionate cover versions: Bugs, Regatta, The Smarties, Swimming In The Sea, Native Tongue, The 45 Men (doo-wop rockabilly), The Hill Williams (novelty cowboy covers), and The Significant Others – a group of fine musicians, brought together to play Grahame’s later songs.

His most famous group was The Fabs, playing from the 1980s until a “last hurrah” in 2023.

Its membership core, of close mates, ebbed and flowed, but always had top class local musicians in the line-up, as well as performing joint “gigs” with the duo Short People - most notably at Colchester Arts Centre every December – a fun event which Grahame enjoyed organising as much as performing.

Grahame will always be remembered for his positive attitude, his humour, and his love of dressing up – and not just on stage.

No-one enjoyed fancy dress quizzes and parties more than Grahame, who will be sorely missed by friends, family, and fans of live music.

He leaves his two sons and his wife, Janette.