A BROMSGROVE musician, who once shared the stage with rock idols Cream and Jimi Hendrix, has passed away.

Michael Dolan, aged 67, of Pennine Road, Bromsgrove died on Saturday, August 2 following a short illness from cancer.

At the time of his death, Michael had been living abroad in the Turkish village of Hisaronu near Marmaris where he had rented a flat for several years.

He was the first foreigner allowed to be buried in the cemetery of the rural village.

The ceremony was attended by around 60 people and included close friends and family from England.

He is survived by his partner Jackie Johnson, son Jesse and Brothers, Martin and Pete.

Jackie said: “Mick loved and was loved by endless people whose paths crossed with his. He was the proverbial 'gentle giant' who had the biggest, most delightful smile.

“The strength of emotion resulting from his death is moving beyond words. The tributes just keep coming, reflecting a true sense of genuine affection towards this gentle giant of a man who touched so many lives in so many ways.”

A memorial service will take place in the UK and plans to hold a commemorative concert next year, to celebrate Mick's musical achievements and influence, are already underway.

He was born in Birmingham and went to Bishop Challoner School in King's Heath where he was Head boy.

At 16, he and his brother Steven went to Bude, Cornwall and played at the Headland Pavilions as the Ebony Combo during the summer.

After two seasons they returned home and became the Five Dimensions, a backup band for soul and rhythm and blues singer, Jimmy Powell.

They formed the Cock-a-Hoops and toured professionally for a number of years throughout the UK, during which time the band supported Jimi Hendrix, Jethro Tull, Procol Harem, John Mayall, Wilson Pickett, Chuck Berry, Family and the Bonzo and Dog Doh Dah Band.

He performed at top clubs including the Marquee, the Speakeasy, Bag of Nails along with venues in the Welsh valleys and Yorkshire Dales. When the band broke up Michael formed Hard Meat with his brother Steve and Mike Carless.

Hard Meat was signed by Warner Brothers and they then toured the states and Europe and made two albums.

He set up a mobile sound system business called ‘Bell Sound Hire’ in Malvern and provided sound for bands including U2 and Show of Hands.

After being introduced to Mick Jagger, who wanted an engineer for his solo album, ‘Goddess in the Doorway’ he ended up playing guitar for the album.

As a house engineer at Millstream Studios in Cheltenham he recorded with artists such as Mike D’Abo, Ralph McTell and Ashley Hutchings.

Michael stepped in and performed at the Albert Hall when one of Port Isaac's Fisherman's Friends group member's was ill.

Whilst living in Bromsgrove, he continued to produce and engineer for many artists including the Kate Gee Band and Red Shoes and he also watched the local bands at the Hop Pole Inn.

He was a regular on Johnny’s ‘Celebration of Christmas' tours and played at various venues including the Artrix.

To pay tribute to Michael or attend the commemorative service, email the family at throughawindow14@gmail.com.