TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular Stourbridge music venue owner who has died less than nine months after being diagnosed with cancer on New Year’s Eve.

Steve Pilcher, co-owner of High Street venue ScaryCanary, lost his battle with the disease last Friday (September 11) at the age of just 40.

His wife, Stacey, described her husband as a “community driven ideas man and a fantastic entrepreneur” after building up their town centre business from scratch.

She said she first met Steve while studying at university and added: “Steve was an extraordinary inspiration to many. He had been in several bands himself as well as owning his own record store before he moved to Stourbridge eight years ago.

“A fashion business grew from our basement that enabled us to save the funds to build our own venue later on.

“We always dreamed of creating a space that people can use as a creative platform for the exposure of any kind of idea they have, whether it be music, art, film or poetry.

“We thrive in the strong community bond we now have with local bands, poets and artists. Our reputation is growing and we have worked hard to bring a few world class acts into Stourbridge that have graced the stage already.

“What Steve achieved in his short 40 years was incredible. His determination, sense of humour and drive were with him to the very end.”

Steve, who had grown up in Portsmouth, was also described as a “warm and charitable” man, who “always wanted to give back to his community and to others in need”.

ScaryCanary have run numerous charity events throughout their years in business, and Stacey said her loss has given her, and the small team of staff, the passion to continue to keep their dream alive.

She added: “We aim to encourage people to go to events and support their local arts, continue to support independent businesses and to raise awareness of cancer and the charities that do so much to help people in that difficult fight.”

Stourbridge artist Cal also paid tribute to Steve – describing him as a “beautiful person”. He added: “It was an honour to have met him. He did so much for the Stourbridge scene. He worked so hard to build up ScaryCanary - The Venue’s amazing.”

A service for Steve is being held at Stourbridge Crematorium on Friday (September 25) at 4.10pm.

Donations will go to Macmillan Cancer Support and can be made through H Porter & Sons Funeral Services.

For more information about the venue visit www.scarycanaryvenue.com, or search ScaryCanary The Venue on Facebook.