TRIBUTES have been paid to Co Tyrone performer Willie Loughrey, who died on Sunday.
Best known for his stage persona Rock Stewart, the Newtownstewart native was a well-known figure on the Irish live music circuit throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
In a scene dominated by showbands, Loughrey stood out as the self-proclaimed ‘wild man of rock’.
Fusing theatrics with characters and costumes, his performances often involved him being carried on stage in a coffin.
Friend and fellow Co Tyrone performer Dominic Kirwin described him as “a colourful and talented character with an amazing voice”.
“I’ve known Willie for many years watching him entertain many audiences in the dance halls of Ireland, as Dracula, Buck Stupid and other guises.
“I always enjoyed being in Willie’s company, there was always a good story or two to be shared with much laughter.”