Tributes have poured in for a popular man who was described as a 'Rock City legend'. Alfred Thomas, better known by his stage name Tommy ‘sly’ Thomas, was part of the world famous breakdance crew who represented Rock City back in dances during the 80s.
His best friend Anthony Forbes, 61, who described him as "my brother", said Mr Thomas was always strivinng to be a better person. "He was a people's person. He was a real showman.
"Wherever he was you knew he was there - and that is not an exaggeration. He was a legend and not just Rock City's."
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Mr Forbes said they have been best friends for 50 years. He visited Mr Thomas at Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham a day before died on March 24, aged 62.
"He came to my house every single Sunday for dinner", Mr Forbes recalled. "But his last birthday was just in December, so it was a tough moment for everyone when he passed away."
He said that Mr Thomas passed away after a battle with cancer. "He was my best man, he was my brother. I call his mum my mum. We were very close", Mr Forbes added.
Mr Thomas grew up in St Ann's, and moved to West Bridgford later in his life. His last job was as a street cleaner at Nottingham City Council.
In a heartfelt tribute shared on social media, Richard MacRae, independent Broxtowe Borough Councillor for Stapleford North, wrote: "I am absolutely heartbroken to hear that Tommy 'Sly' Thomas has sadly passed away.
"An absolute legend in the Roller Skating and Hip Hop scene. A Rock City legend and a good friend. Rest in Peace, my friend."
George Akins, MD of DHP Family, which runs Rock City, added: " We're sorry to hear of the passing of Tommy ‘sly’ Thomas, who was one of the original Rock City crew, the world famous breakdance crew who represented Rock City back in the ’80s. He will be remembered for playing an important part in the breaking scene and the weekly battles on the Rock City dancefloor that brought in crews from around the UK."
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