Sadness as death of DJ at iconic Wolverhampton rock venue is announced
Tributes have been paid to a popular Wolverhampton DJ and drag artist who has died.
Staff and customers at The Giffard Arms in Wolverhampton have been left devastated by the death of Matt Hawkins - known as The Divine Miss M.
He had a monthly Saturday night residency as a DJ at the popular 80s night upstairs at the legendary rock venue in Victoria Street but had been missing recently as he was suffering from cancer.
A post on the Giffard Arms' Facebook page on Saturday night read: "It's with the greatest and upmost sadness that I have to tell you that Matty sadly passed away peacefully this morning.
"This world is a much duller place today. I cannot believe he has left us He lived a fabulous life and was so brave and courageous, with no fear to the very end.
"My sincere condolences to his partner David and family and friends. Such a sad loss.Fly high The Absolutely Divine Miss M."
It attracted over 30 comments from friends and regulars at the pub, with Jayne Kelly Norris saying: " Thank you for the music that made me dance and re live my youth...Good night beautiful x
Suzie Lavender said: " This is so sad, such a brilliant performer. Condolences to the Giff family x
Gerogia Weilds wrote: " So sad. She was so iconic. Me and my mom loved her 80s nights, won't be the same without her. RIP star."
The Divine Miss M also appeared at Wolverhampton Pride in the summer
Speaking to the Express & Star, Giffard Arms owner Wendy Shone said she had known and worked with Matt for over 20 years and everyone at the pub was devastated at the news.
She said: "He was full of life and loved what he did, he used to work for me at The White Hart when I had that pub and never let me or anyone down - he was part of the Giffard family and will be sadly missed."
A charity night in his memory is planned and the 80s night is being re-named Divine Miss M Drag me to the 80s, with the next one being held next Thursday on Boxing Day.
The deejay was also a popular face at the city's Pride festival where he appeared in June.
