FRIENDS and family are mourning the loss of a popular Stourbridge musician, who has died after a brave battle with cancer.

Brian Grove died peacefully in the early hours of last Wednesday morning (September 14) with his devoted wife Kate Sintes and best friend Ben Smith by his side after a courageous 18-month battle.

Devastated friends and fellow musicians posted a stream of anecdotes about his life under the hashtag #briangrovestories following the tragic news.

Brian, aged 55 of Armstrong Close, was well known as a highly talented bass, and formerly banjo, player, and was a regular face at folk festivals and music sessions around the Midlands.

Fellow musician Ben Smith said: "Brian was the most loyal friend - always there to keep his mates buoyant with boundless good humour and common sense advice.

"He loved making music more than anyone I ever met. For him, it was about the sheer joy of playing with friends in the moment.

"Although he was a far more talented bassist than he seemed to realise, he had no interest in performing for money - all that mattered was the craic.

"I'm so happy that his last few years saw him achieve his ambition of boating around Britain in his narrowboat, Merlin, and that he found such profound happiness with Kate.

"Stourbridge will never be the same."

The lifelong businessman was also a published author, his book The Treasure Hunter's Handbook, still being a popular seller.

There will be no funeral but a party commemorating his life will be held at Katie Fitzgerald's pub, Bridgnorth Road, next month on a date to be arranged.