
Tributes have been paid to a true gentleman of the local soul music scene.
Nigel Rothwell, a top soul music DJ from Morecambe, passed away on Saturday December 21, his family has announced.
Nigel was a leading and knowledgeable figure on the local soul scene, playing his favourite tracks and filling dancefloors at venues all over the North West.
He was one of the Morecambe Vinyl Players (MVP) group of DJs and also part of the West End Soul Club.
Nigel was also one of the team who played soul music on the Stone Jetty as part of the Vintage by the Sea festival and Morecambe Music Festival (Nigel is pictured below, right, with Jay Blackburn and Paul Johnson).
Nigel's family posted on Facebook:
"It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of a wonderful husband, dad, grandad, brother and friend to so many.
"Nigel passed away on Saturday 21st December and will be greatly missed by all.
"The family will have some privacy over Christmas and further arrangements will be shared when confirmed."
Derek Willis posted on the Morecambe Vinyl Players page: "The MVPs have lost a true friend, gentleman and great DJ.
"Nigel had a great knowledge of the records and artists he loved so much, and he will be a great loss to the soul community.
"Goodbye our special friend who was taken from us too soon.
"We send our heartfelt condolences to Lesley, Olivia and Nick."
Jay Blackburn from the West End Soul Club said Nigel was "an absolute gentleman" and "a massive part of not only the West End Soul Club but the soul scene as a whole" whose "passion for the scene was infectious".
Ian Cottam, who presents The Soulful Strut on Beyond Radio, posted a photo of Nigel on a visit to our studio.
He said Nigel was "a true gentleman and a stalwart of the local and further afield soul scene, another of the local soul family gone too early".