Tributes to music man Steve

Steve Collins, 57, of Kilnhouse Lane, St Annes, died on January 18 after a battle with cancer.

Mr Collins was the owner of the popular Stagebox music shop in Central Drive, Blackpool and today his son Phil paid a moving tribute to a man who was “immensely proud of his family”.

Phil, 27, said: “Steve had a great sense of humour, often found roaring with laughter at programs such as Fawlty Towers and ‘Allo Allo’ and rolling around on the floor when it was discovered that he had been ‘cheating’ at board games. He also had a soft and serious side with a heart of gold, never hesitating to offer a helping hand to anyone in need.”

Born in Barry, South Wales, he moved to Blackpool with his family in 1974, finishing his education at Highfield School, now known as Highfield Humanities College.

After turning his hand to various jobs, including hotel work, driving a mobile library and working as a window glazer, he continued to pursue his love of music, playing in local bands.

He continued his passion in 1988 with the opening of Stagebox in Spen Corner, Marton, before opening Stagebox in Central Drive two years later.

Phil added: “Steve helped many new bands just starting out by lending them equipment and spent many an evening supporting their gigs – on one occasion even racing back to Stagebox for a spare mic when one of the band’s broke mid gig.

“He was a very talented singer and guitarist, playing around the local area for many years, usually singing classics by Elvis Presley.”

Steve leaves wife, Daniela, 40, his sister Beverley, 52, son Phil and mum and dad Mark and Anita, based in Surrey, London. His funeral will be held at Lytham Crematorium on Tuesday from 1.30pm.

The Steve Collins Tribute Fund has been set up with the Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research charity, where donations can be made in his memory.

To donate go to www.justgiving.com/Stageboxsteve

Cheques can be made payable to the Steve Collins Tribute Fund and sent to Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.