TRIBUTES have been paid to a Stratton musician who once trailed the Rolling Stones for several months after watching them play Swindon in the 1970s.

Former youth worker Des Baker was better known as the bassist and singer in a series of Swindon and Wiltshire bands, including The Emotions, Magpie and Street Circus.

The rock and roll fan spent six months following the Rolling Stones selling official merchandise at the band’s concerts, after watching the band play at McIlroy’s department store in Swindon.

“He never got to meet any of the band,” said daughter Sioux.

Born in Swindon, 74-year-old Des began at the GWR Works before stumbling across the guitar. “He said he felt like learning to play the guitar saved his life,” said Sioux. “He was mischievous. A lovely man, not nasty to anyone. But he knew how to get into trouble.

"Learning to play the guitar was a turning point for him. It gave him some purpose and a goal.”

Des’ talent with the guitar saw him briefly emigrate to Switzerland with childhood sweetheart Holly, with whom he would later have two children.

It was 1968, a year on from the Summer of Love, and Des would busk on the streets for money, running off when the authorities came to move him on.

Back in Swindon, Stratton St Margaret man Des became a youth worker in Penhill, ran his own window cleaning business and played in a series of bands. Sioux said: “My dad just loved playing music. He didn’t care if there were only three people in the audience. He just loved playing. As long as those three people were enjoying themselves he was happy.”

A fan of foreign travel, Des had enjoyed holidays in India and Africa: “Dad was interested in new things. He was the first person I knew to have an iPad.”

Des died on November 3 at Great Western Hospital aged 74 after a battle with lung cancer. He is survived by his two children and three grandchildren.

A funeral will be held at Kingsdown Crematorium today at 9am. A collection will be in aid of Bransby Horses Rescue and Welfare, a charity supported by Des’ late wife Holly.