HUNDREDS of tributes have poured in for a much-loved musician who spent his life entertaining others.

Pete Grear, the lead singer of band The Beathovens, died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on April 13. The 71-year-old was diagnosed with blood cancer three years ago.

Now, hundreds of people have paid tribute to the Darwen man, who was a familiar face in and around East Lancashire and well-known for his musical talents.

Family friend and former bandmate David Almond had known Mr Grear since he was a teenager having started the band together back in 1964.

Mr Almond said: “Pete was a funny man who will be missed by many, We had a lot of laughs and fun times over the years - it was a pleasure to have spent so much time with him.”

Over the past 18 months, Mr Almond and his wife Norma along with Pete and his wife Marilyn had taken many trips around the country together along with other friends and band members.

He said: “We’d recently all been on trips to Liverpool and Glasgow and had a wonderful time.”

Another family friend Gary Ward, who had known Pete for over 25 years, said: “The first time that I saw The Beathovens’ was at The Vic pub during the 90s and I specifically remember them playing Brown Sugar by The Rolling Stones which triggered something in me and certainly inspired me personally.

“The power and togetherness of the band combined with Pete’s great vocals taught me a valuable lesson in live performance.”

Pete leaves wife Marilyn, three children Kelly, Dean and Daniel and five grandchildren Liam, Ryan, Owen, Gracie, Baby George.

His funeral is at 10.45am at St Peter’s church in Darwen on Thursday April 25. The family have requested no flowers but donations to Myeloma Research.