A guitarist who died at a Scots music festival has been described as a 'hero' with exceptional talent by heartbroken bandmates.
Chris Adams died suddenly in the campsite of Eden Festival in the St Ann's area of Dumfries and Galloway on Sunday afternoon.
The 49-year-old was due to play his first gig with band Gelvis Paisley and the Contraband later that evening at 10pm.
Devastated bandmate George Campbell paid tribute to Chris online and said he was 'as good as Hendrix'. He wrote: "When I was a lad about 20 years old I started learning to play guitar. Soon after I met a younger lad about 16 years old Chris Adams who was already as good as Hendrix.
"Several decades later Chris joined my band and we made a record. Our first gig with Chris in the band was to be on Sunday 11th June at 10pm.
"Well it hurts so much to be writing this today because Chris died on Sunday afternoon in the campsite at Eden festival. He will always be my hero, and if you ever heard him play, you’ll know why.
"My heart is broken, but as I always tell ye. Music is the only real magic, and the best remedy for a broken heart. Time to test my theory.
"My heart goes out to Chris Adams family and friends, with love from me and the boys from the Contraband, Eggo and Norval. I’ll never forget you mate and no one will ever play as good as you Chrissy boy."
Steve Lawson said: "Somehow you always imagine that there'll always be more time to meet up with the old friends you talk to on here. RIP Chris, I can't believe we were just messaging about the ridiculous nonsense we used to dance to in Perth night clubs just a few weeks ago."
He added: "So much love to all Chris' family and friends - this isn't my 'loss', but it is my deep sadness that we didn't get to meet up again, that we missed that chance, that the stars didn't align for us to hang out and laugh about the college days and talk about being dads and making music away from the crushing weight of expectation that being in your 20s and hopeful for a 'big break' brings to that conversation. The Chris I remember was funny and happy and occasionally profound and a damned fine guitar player."
While Michael Branagh wrote: "Yesterday's News was a huge shock. My heart goes out to Jooly & Family. My heart goes out to Larry & everyone hurt, numb, bewildered and heartbroken from a very wide circle of friends indeed.
"An immensely respected man for so many reasons. One of the most excellent, nicest humans you could ever meet. I reflect with so many good times in various eras of our lives in mind. Farewell, old friend. Glass Raised. RIP Chris Adams."
A statement from Eden Festival said: "Eden Festival is saddened to report the tragic and sudden death of a performer arriving at the festival.
"He was attended to on-site by our medical team, who were assisted by Scottish Ambulance Service and Police Scotland.
"The festival sends its deepest sympathies to family members and wish that they be given privacy at this time."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 1.45pm on Sunday, 11 June, 2023, officers were made aware of concern for a person at a festival in the St Ann’s area.
“Emergency services attended and 49-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.
“There are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
