A west Belfast man has been remembered as a ‘local legend’ in the local music scene despite never playing an instrument.
Tributes have poured in for Phil Long, affectionately known as Bear, who passed away on Friday following a long illness.
Lifelong Friend John Cullen told the Irish News that Bear was a ‘legend’ in the local music scene for decades and a well-known face to many across the city.
“He was a real legend in the music circles in Belfast and Ireland generally - yet he never played a note of music in his life,” he said.
“All the bands knew him because was a real roadie, he sold merch at gigs and anything a band couldn’t do Bear did it.
“Back in the day, he was instrumental in crossing the sectarian divide. In the 70’s and 80’s and across all the different subcultures punks, mods, teds and all he was instrumental in organising gigs everyone could go to. It largely went under the radar but I never forgot it.
“He was a gentle giant with a heart of gold who would do anything for you and was known everywhere. It’s just a great loss to the whole community.”
Hundreds have commented online sharing memories of the ‘gentle giant’ who would ‘never pass you without a chat’.
Friend Francis McKeown said he will be ‘truly missed’ by everyone who knew him.
“I’m so sad you’re gone for you have left a big hole in my heart and Belfast.
“If there is one person who will be truly missed from this musical planet it’s the Bear,” he said.
“I wish I had seen you before you moved on, now there’s another star in heaven. Until we met again. Rave on.”
Meanwhile, Jim Deeds credited ‘Big Bear’ for his love of big dogs.
“He had a Pyrenean Mountain Dog when I went to primary school and it used to jump up on our shoulders, standing way above us,” he recalled.
“Bear was back then and always, a legend of our community. I used to love bumping into him with my Great Danes. He would cuddle them and reminisce about his big dog back in the day.”
Phil’s remains will be reposing at Healy Brothers Chapel of Repose on Monday and Tuesday
Local musicians are planning to form a guard of honour for his final journey on Wednesday morning.
Phil’s remains will leave at 9.30 am for 10.00 am Requiem Mass in St Teresa’s Church followed by burial at City Cemetery.
