Much-loved Southampton musician Eddie Smith dies aged 79

Best known for Ed Nix & Busted and The Eddie Smith Band, Eddie Smith has passed away, aged 79.

His son, also Eddie Smith, said: "He had a colourful life. I think he had about three lifetimes in one! He did so much.

"He was a loveable rogue. Everybody loved him, you couldn't help but love him. He could charm the birds out of the trees! 

"He was a scallywag, but people loved him for who he was. He always did what he wanted to do. He could read a room and was a gifted fella."

Born in 1944 in a railway carriage in a siding in Sway after his family were evacuated to the New Forest during the war, Eddie was one of ten children.

Growing up in the Chapel area of Southampton, Eddie's first taste of the limelight came when he produced a cardboard theatre and got a thrill out of entertaining kids with his shows. 

He was a talented musician, playing piano, accordion and guitar to a high standard by ear, unable to read a note of music.

READ MORE: Tribute to one of the area's most familiar faces, who has died aged 83

At 16, Eddie was gigging in the pubs of Northam and Chapel, earning what a docker would earn, with beer thrown in. 

Eddie, partner to Kerry, ex husband to Glynis and dad to Nicki, Ray, Eddie, Grace and Bradley, also had a stint on the Union Castle boats travelling to South Africa. 

Grandad to Stacey, Adam, Eddie, Charlie and Jack and great grandad to Harrison, Harper, Lucas, Harlow and Nina, Eddie was a big part of the travelling community and a keen horseman.

He also had a love of boats, sailing between gigs in Southampton and Dartmouth, where he lived for 30 years, using just a road map. Eddie lived in Sholing during his later years and often travelled to India. 

His country and rock n roll music took him on European tours, playing American air force bases in Germany, Italy and Switzerland. 

Eddie's funeral will take place at St Mary's Church in Sholing tomorrow (Thursday September 14) at 2pm, followed by a burial at St Mary Extra Cemetery.