TRIBUTES have poured in for a popular Swindon musician who died suddenly this week.

Friends have paid their respects to drummer Steve Carvey, who entertained town music fans for more than four decades.

The percussionist and music teacher played in a variety of bands – including Urban Disturbance, The Tokens and Pagan Fringe – before joining British-Australian outfit Kangaroo Moon.

Steve’s former Kangaroo Moon bandmate and friend of 35 years, Mark Robson, said Steve, who was in his 50s, would be sorely missed.

“He had a big heart. He was the most straightforward person you could ever meet," he said.

"He was assertive and he had that quiet confidence about him. He always had it even when he was a teenager.”

Mark first met Steve in 1979 when he joined one of his earlier bands The Tokens during his studies at Cirencester College.

As a “floppy-haired” teen he was known for his love of punk and new wave outfits such as XTC and was also a fan of Frank Zappa.

“He was very into the New Romantics and he dressed like that. Even at that age he was such a talented drummer. I knew he’d go far,” Mark said.

The talented musician worked hard at honing his craft but enjoyed a temporary hiatus from the music scene to spend time driving a horse and cart through Hereford in the summer months.

He combined his band commitments with his work as a music teacher for the Swindon Music Service and being a father to children Molly and Jakey.

At the time of his death, Mark said Steve was looking forward to summer performances at Devon festival Kozfest.

He said: “It’s sad this has happened because he was at a stage in his life where new doors were opening for him and he had almost a new start ahead of him.”

Over his four decades in the music industry, Steve shared the stage with legendary rockers Daevid Allen from Gong and XTC’s Barry Andrews.

He was also known as a regular onstage at the Beehive pub.

“I last spoke to him this year and he was keen to join us for performances at the Beehive and I’m so sad that won’t happen now,” Mark said.

Andy Mercer, landlord at the Beehive who knew Steve for 30 years, said the musician was an integral part of the pub’s community.

He said: “It’s all just a bit of a shock at the moment. People were speaking to him only a few days ago and it’s hard to believe he’s gone.

“He was outgoing, popular and just an all-round nice guy. He’d always have a chat with me and enjoy a pint of stout. He was great.”

Those sentiments were echoed on social media sites with Steve’s friends sharing their special memories of the drummer.

XTC frontman Andy Partridge tweeted: “Have heard that Swindon drummer/percussionist Steve Carvey has died. Talented chap. RIP wild boy.”

On Facebook, Swindon musician Ian Doeser said: “RIP Steve, thanks for your friendship over the last almost 50 years, gonna miss one of my oldest mates.”

And Cath Pradley said: “This is such sad news and a terrible shock especially to my girls as Steve was their godfather they loved him to bits and he will be dearly missed.

“He was known to them as Stevie Teasmade as he was always making the tea on camp – that’s how I shall always remember him. Rest in peace dear man.”

Barry Andrews posted on Facebook: "Sorry to see you go, Steve - way too previous. Talented, sweet man. Bless him."

Swindon Advertiser:

  • A picture of Steve Carvey posted on Facebook