Musicians have been rocked by the news that guitarist Paul Styvar, better known as Seven String Les, has died.

He was a familiar face on the Kent music scene, often hosting open-mic nights, giving help and advice and encouraging up-and-coming musicians and singers to jam along with a professional band.

One of them, Sheppey singer-guitarist Jazz Lee, said: "There are no words. Les watched me grow up at open mics. I went to one when I was 12 and as a family we never looked back. I always felt he was one of my biggest supporters, egging me on and taking hundreds of photos.

"No matter who you were, or the talent you had, he always made you feel confident.

"I'll never forget his ridiculously long-winded intros before I got on stage which made me so embarrassed. Kent's live music scene has lost a gem. I'm gutted to have not seen him since before the pandemic.

"We have lost a dear family friend and mentor and all round top bloke."

Les, whose gimmick was to play a seven-string bass guitar, ran a number of nights on the Island at the Beach Bar in Seaside Avenue and Seacliff Holiday Park in Oak Lane, Minster, where he spent his summers in a caravan. He often performed with drummer Eddy Newport and guitarist Mark Simpson and for years with Brian Brockie. Another of his popular jam nights was at the Billabong comedy club in Victoria Street, Rochester.

His friend Jim Nugent said: "We first met in 1970 when we were in our late teens or early 20s when he played lead guitar for O'Hara's Playboys. My band were on the same bill. Decades later, we met up again and revelled in each other's memories of that time and all that had elapsed since."

Les, who lived in Gillingham, died in hospital on Sunday night. He was 72. He leaves a widow, Sheila, and a daughter, jazz singer Scarlett Stone.

Jim added: "Everyone who knew him will be aware that his state of health had not been good for many years. He was a good friend and a truly brilliant musician who will be sorely missed."

Many other musicians have been paying tribute, including Eddy Newport who said: "He was a true pro musician with a vast experience in the music businesses."

Bob Goodwin added: "He was a great player with a dry wit. He had many stories to tell of his musical life that he didn't boast about. He will be sadly missed."

Richard Cottee said: "I've many happy memories of playing songs with Les. He was an excellent musician who was gracious to other players. He'll definitely be missed."

Kim Winch, who ran his jam nights' Facebook page, said: "It is so sad. I helped him out with his cleaning and getting his dinners when he lived on the caravan park. I'm so heart-broken. Sometimes he would sing to me while we ate our dinners. He was like an uncle or a dad to me."

In his younger days he performed on cruise ships.