RIP Max

I still don't know the story, but it seems we've lost dear Max Martin, tireless music enthusiast and, in the last couple of years, prolific busker who rapidly went from learning some chords to amassing hundreds of songs and playing every open mic going. He poured his soul into his music like few people can. I can't quite believe this has happened. Canterbury won't be the same without him. I'll always remember joyfully dancing in the rain in the High Street one Saturday night while he was busking this (a request from Juliet, a close friend of his who must be completely devastated right now):

He had a bit of a Kevin Ayers thing, too, did a nice job with this:

Local legend Luke Smith said it all:

What unspeakably tragic news about dear, sweet Maximum Martin, one of Canterbury's finest.

Shocked and gutted beyond words, to think of not seeing Maxy again, having been touched by his cherishable friendship for nearly two decades. It’s impossible to measure the positive impact this warm and lovable man has had on Canterbury, as he’s truly made it a brighter place for so very many people, over so many years.

Maxy embodied one of the most sacred human attributes of all time. Enthusiasm.

He was a bright, bumbling, brilliant barrage of hearty human passion. An open-spirited, bravely uncynical being, who genuinely cared about spreading kindness, fun, and friendship.

Maxy was generous with his musical loves. He wanted to hurl them out there to the world, in great big trusting bucketfuls. Not for vain, self-regarding reasons, but because he had a sincere, exuberant desire to share the treasures he prized, with everyone he met. He was a shining presence on the scene, and the loss is heartbreaking.

Here's to you Maxy, with thanks always, for the hundreds of lucky hours spent in your effervescent company. You will not be forgotten. xxxx

Goodnight Maxy, you were much loved...