THE Furness music community has been left in shock following the sudden death of the hugely popular Collie Stewart.

The Barrow band frontman had massive talent and was much-loved throughout the area.

Tributes poured in for the musician who fronted the popular 'rock 'n' soul' band Collie Stewart and the Roomers, with friends and fans shocked and upset at the news.

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The singer-songwriter was known for both his accomplished originals and impeccable covers, having established himself as one of the area's top solo acts over the past eight years.

A worthy headliner with an always-engaging live show, fans loved hearing tracks from the likes of Ray LaMontagne, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Prince featuring in some of his live sets.

Mr Stewart was on stage entertaining crowds at Hawcoat Park Sport Club's Ciderfest last weekend.

Read more: Ciderfest pulls in the bank holiday crowds in Barrow.

The performer, originally from Northern Ireland, had been due to appear at The Townhouse, in Dalton Road, Barrow, on Thursday night, where he played regularly.

Avelino Goncalves, manager at the bar, said: “He was a big character.

“It's difficult to accept what happened. It still feels so fresh. Collie was full of life and this is a really, really big surprise that nobody expected.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">So sad to hear the news about Collie Stewart. The Barrow music scene has lost one of its finest characters​. RIP<a href="https://t.co/qXrJ5ldNrm">https://t.co/qXrJ5ldNrm</a></p>— Karl Steel (@karlsteelCL) <a href="https://twitter.com/karlsteelCL/status/860502230000160769">May 5, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“Even when he wasn't playing he would come down. He was a true professional and the entire music community in Barrow is in shock.

“You can't stop liking a guy like Collie.”

The circumstances surrounding Mr Stewart's death are not yet known.

Among his countless performances and venues, Mr Stewart was a regular headliner at the Acoustic Meltdown, a popular unplugged showcase, over the years.

He returned to the top slot to entertain crowds last Christmas at The Derby.

Read more: Acoustic Meltdown makes move for Xmas special.

The pub, in Dalton Road, posted a tribute to the singer-songwriter on Facebook.

They said: "We would just like to express our deepest condolences on the passing of the legend that is Collie Stewart.

"He was a good friend to us all at the Derby and he lit up the bar whether he was in here socially or performing.

"He has left a big hole in the local music scene and also in a lot of peoples hearts (and a fuller bottle of Jamesons on the bar).

"Thoughts go out to all his close friends and family."

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Staff at The Drawing Room, in Duke Street, Barrow, also spoke of their shock at the news.

A spokesman said: “Absolutely devastated to hear the news of our friend Collie Stewart. Such an amazing man. The guy had soul.

“Not only immensely talented but also one of the funniest people you could ever meet.

“We cannot believe we will never share a laugh and a drink again. He will be sorely missed and the world will be a duller place without you. R.I.P Collie.”

Local entertainer Denis Horan is among those to have posted to Facebook. He said: "Can't believe this, such a lovely, warm and very talented man. R.I.P. Collie."

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Mark Crellin added: "To say that I'm devastated by the passing of my good friend Collie Stewart would be an understatement, what a guy.

"An amazingly talented musician and even better man, helped me through the most difficult times and will be sorely missed.

"I'll be raising a double Jameson with ice to you. Rest in peace brother."

Jayne Stewart said: "Absolutely heartbroken. My loveliest funniest friend taken way too soon."