FAMILY and friends of "Doctor Rock" have paid tribute to a man whose life's passion was music.

Keith Hand (56), of Bury and Bolton Road, Radcliffe, died at Fairfield Hospital, Bury, in the early hours of Saturday morning.

He had complained of a sore throat and driven himself to the hospital, but passed away following two cardiac arrests.

Music fans around the borough knew Mr Hand as Doctor Rock because of the equipment shop of that name which he ran on Bolton Road in Bury.

His passion was realised in the 1970s when he took on the role of roadie for glam-rock bands Mud and Sweet. When Sweet played at the Manchester Apollo recently Mr Hand joined the band after the concert. Mr Hand's wife, Wendy (53), said: "Music was such a big thing to him. He loved it."

He was closely involved with the annual talent-spotting Powersound competition in Radcliffe which is taking place this month. As well as putting up money for prizes, he also helped with the equipment and technical arrangements.

Mr Hand's daughter Emma (15) also got involved with the contest and was a finalist last year.

Mrs Hand said: "Keith loved to listen to Emma singing and would offer advice. He would speak to other young people about music and offered advice.

"Keith spoke to them as adults, which made them respect him. Although he was paid for the work he did, it was what he enjoyed doing."

Mr Hand was brought up in Faversham, London, and lived in different areas of the capital as a young man. He moved up to Bury in the 70s, and married his wife, Wendy, in 1988.

Before he bought his Doctor Rock shop in Bury, Mr Hand ran a wholesale business from a van, driving around the country selling musical equipment.

But when Emma was born, he decided he wanted to stay at home and spend time with his family.

Close friend Gary Whitelegg, of Cranham Close, Walshaw, said: "He was very much a family man. It was very important to him."

Along with music, 6ft 8in Mr Hand -- who was also known by the nickname Tiny --enjoyed motor racing, photography, poetry writing and fishing.

Mr Hand met Mr Whitelegg through motor racing in 1984, when his pal was involved competitively.

Mr Whitelegg said: "When I met him, he came up behind me and cast such a big shadow it went dark." And while Mr Hand was a very patient person, he also had very strong morals and would never sway from what he believed in. Mr Whitelegg said: "He would say what he thought, but did it in the best way he could so he didn't offend people."

As a keen dog breeder, Mr Hand won at Crufts with his Kwhanchu Chow Chows, Bruford, Sadie and Peggi Sue.

In December last year, Mr Hand went in for "the chop" on Channel Four's The Salon, after nominating himself for a hair overhaul.

David Flynn, manager of the Bury music venues, had known Mr Hand for many years through his involvement in the annual Powersound competition.

Mr Flynn said: "The competition would not have become so popular without his assistance. We are hoping to give out a trophy at future competitions dedicated to Keith."