Tributes flood in after well known Doncaster musician dies of coronavirus

Paul Piercy, a member of leading Doncaster rock band Stafford Galli as well as a number of other bands and also an acclaimed guitar teacher and lifelong Doncaster Rovers fan, has become one of the town’s latest victims of the COVID-19 pandemic.

After his death was announced on social media yesterday, dozens of tributes poured in from fellow musicians and fundraising campaigns have also been set up, with more than £5,000 flooding in in the hours after his death.

A post posted on Stafford Galli’s Facebook page yesterday said: “Today it is with heavy hearts that we have to tell you not only our band member, but great friend Paul Piercy has sadly passed away from this awful virus.

“Not only was he a brilliant musician, he was just a fantastic human being.

“We are truly devastated and just don't have the words at this time.

“Please keep Paul and his family in your thoughts today. Rest In Peace Paul. We love you.”

Mr Piercy was also a member of Rush tribute band Bravado and Thunder tribute band Backstreet Thunder.

Fundraising campaigns set up within hours of his death have already raised more than £5,000.

A spokesman for Backstreet Thunder said: “It’s with a very broken heart we are having to announce the passing of the most kindest, loving, fun and extremely talented Mr Paul Piercy who unfortunately did not manage to beat Covid-19.

“From all us in Backstreet Thunder, we will miss you every day, goodbye - we love you.”

A post from Pod Pearson on the Bravado Facebook page read: “Like most of you, myself and the rest of the Bravado team are in shock.

“Paul was an unflappable professional; a learned , enthusiastic and gifted musician, not just a guitar player. He was quite rightly an immensely popular and successful teacher, who is responsible for beginning and improving the musical careers of so many in our area, as well as a fantastic player with a natural stage presence you couldn't stop watching.

“He was also a damn good bloke who would do anything for a friend, or indeed for anyone. And he was the funniest man I've ever been privileged to work with.

”We met when we were colleagues at Electro Music, and thankfully I was able to talk him into having a go at a little tribute band, just for a bit of fun, for the challenge. You all know Bravado was forged with Paul, Dean and myself, in hard work, but in laughter too.

“You all know what he was like, and how badly he'll be missed. I guess that's all I've got to say about that.

“Goodbye Paul Piercy, from your heartbroken old brothers.”

A spokesman for local music festival Conisbrough Music Fest said: “We were hoping that we could get through this terrible situation without losing members of our precious community.

“Unfortunately that’s not going to be the case.

“Today we’ve been informed that we’ve lost one of our regular musicians. Paul Piercy played at the first ever Conisbrough Music Fest with his band Saint Harlot, he performed three more times after that. Paul was a great musician and a really nice person to be around. Our stage team and me personally have great memories of this lovely guy.

“We’re so sorry to have lost you Paul and every other local person that’s succumbed to this horrible virus.”

One fundraising campaign has already raised £3,400 while another has collected £1,670, within hours of being set up.

You can donate to the campaigns HERE and HERE.

Steve Pickles and Phil Moogan, who have organised one of the campaigns, said: “During this trying time, we, the friends of Paul are asking for funding for the family of our friend, who has passed away suddenly, from the effects of Covid-19.

“With the best of intentions, no family could prepare for the financial stress that this brings to their lives. We would like to help relieve his family’s burden by giving as much help as possible at this time.

“Paul was a much loved and respected husband, father, friend, band mate and teacher.”

Fellow campaign organiser Andrew Hill said: “RIP Paul Piercy - A great friend to us all, mentor to many of Doncaster’s guitarists and fellow brethren. Taken far too early by COVID 19, It would be great if we could contribute somewhat towards his family at this time.”