THE funeral of former Stourbridge pub landlord who put the town on the musical map takes place today (Friday January 27).

John Knight, who ran The Mitre Inn in Lower High Street with his wife Babs, died at the age of 74 on Christmas Day.

The pub became a hotbed of musical talent during their 25 years in charge – especially in the late 1980s and early 1990s when members of The Wonder Stuff, Pop Will Eat Itself and Ned’s Atomic Dustbin frequented the venue before exploding onto the music scene.

The couple left The Mitre in 2001 and just two years later John was hit hard by the death of his soul mate and wife of 37 years – Babs.

But - an accomplished country and western entertainer - he continued to play gigs and would host folk, acoustic and open mic nights at pubs around Stourbridge including The Britannia and The Garibaldi.

His health, however, declined during the last 12 months or so and he was found to be suffering from vascular dementia .

Around nine months ago he left his flat in Wollaston to move into Holbeche House care home in Wall Heath – and after suffering from a chest infection towards the end of last year he was admitted to Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley where he passed away on Christmas morning.

He leaves a son Alan, from his first marriage, and twins Peter and Emma, from his marriage to Babs, as well as two grandsons and two granddaughters.

His funeral will take place at 1.30pm today at Stourbridge Crematorium, South Road. Many are expected to attend.

An online donation page set up in John’s memory has already raised £345 which will go to the National Foundation for Youth Music which aims to provide music-making opportunities to young people up to the age of 25.

Anyone wishing to make a donation online can do so at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/johngeorgeknight.