The Brunel Rooms, which opened in 1973, was a major part of youth culture in Swindon and for miles around for well over three decades.

The nightspot hosted early performances by future global stars including Blondie, Iron Maiden and The Jam.

This gallery was orignally published by the Adver as a tribute to founder Bill Reid after his death in 2018.

Married to Jacky, who died in 2003, Mr Reid had two children, Stephen and Jude.

According to Stephen, who also ran the Brunel Rooms, one of the secrets of his father’s success was his eagerness to embrace the new, with the club hosting everything from disco nights to raves over the years.

“A friend of mine described him as an early adopter,” said Stephen. “When computers came in he had everyone computerised.

“He was gregarious. He liked being around people, he liked to talk a lot. He always said to me, ‘Life’s not a dress rehearsal, son’. He didn’t want to die waiting.

“People can talk about it, the whole carpe diem thing, but not many manage to do it.”