TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular musician on the Worcester music scene who has died after suffering heart failure.

The Worcestershire music community has been left devastated by the death of Jez Cole, aged 48, on Sunday, November 22.

Mr Cole, who ran Worcester School of Rock and Performance from 2009 up until March 2020, died of heart failure caused by Becker’s Muscular Dystrophy.

Mr Cole was described as being courageous throughout his battle, remaining positive right up until the end. He leaves behind his loving wife Cymone and son Casper.

Jodie Hughes writes: "Tributes have been pouring in over social media for a man who always put his passion for music and teaching over all else.

"Many former students have expressed how influential Jez was in their musical development, giving opportunities to play live shows and festivals from a young age, opportunities which are hard to come by but invaluable in building confidence and skill." This sentiment is echoed by close friend Maria Masters, Head of Music at The Chantry School in Martley, who worked with Mr Cole for over 20 years while he taught guitar at the school.

She said: “Chantry students had so many opportunities through Jez such as performing at Mappfest in Malvern and Worcester Music Festival. He was always helping to fundraise for a range of charities.

"There are so many students who, with his support and influence, have gone on to form bands, perform as solo artists and follow musical careers. It has been a huge shock to the school and me personally as a friend of his.

"He will certainly be greatly missed by staff and students at The Chantry School."

In a post on Facebook, friend Garrington Jones explained how Mr Cole was 'always up beat and you could be any level of ability and Jez would always be available and spend the time to help you and to offer well-meaning and honest advice'.

Describing Mr Cole as 'the catalyst who inspired the musical aspirations of many', he added: "That is why he was such an essential member of the WSRP. He was an absolute legend."

As well as being an educator and role model for budding musicians, Mr Cole was a talented musician in his own right, working on several personal projects over the years.

Friend and bandmate Sean Jeffrey described him as 'a constant throughout my music career and a friend since the late 90s'.

He added: "His love of music was contagious so it makes sense that he was a top notch educator."

Mr Cole played bass in the band Epsilon Red with Mr Jeffery, recording at the BBC’s Worcester radio studio in 2008, and also worked with Mr Jeffery in the band Hitchhiker.

“He wasn’t just a fine musician, he was also all you could ask for in a friend: patient, funny (a big fan of The Mighty Boosh), thoughtful and non-judgmental. And he was always optimistic and positive despite his health issues. A sad loss on a personal level, but also as a modestly influential, integral part of the local music scene" said Mr Jeffery.

Jode Hughes said: "On a personal note, having joined WSRP during Jez’s first term in charge, I have had the pleasure of being both his student and colleague over the last eleven years.

"I have personally seen the influence he has had on the hundreds of students who have joined us each Saturday morning, not only developing their musical skills, but also their ability to work in a band and most notably their confidence. It is thanks to Jez that Worcester has such a lively and continuing collection of young musicians, many of whom would not be where they are without his support. In 2010, Jez took time out of his life to accompany a young band of children, formed at WSRP, to London to perform at a Battle of the Bands competition, simply to support them and recognise their achievement.

"His students and his love for music was at the heart of everything he did, and his legacy will certainly live on through the vibrant music community he helped to create."