Tributes have been paid to an “amazing” High Wycombe musician, who has sadly passed away aged 73.

Well-known as “probably the most performed person in Britain”, singer, songwriter and producer Les Payne played more than 6000 gigs throughout his life and released more than 14 records.

Born in Newport, Isle of Wight, in 1943, Les was passionate about music as he grew up and performed his first gig when he was just 14.

He moved away from the island in 1963, heading to Thame and then to Chairborough Road in High Wycombe.

In his garden, he set up his own recording studio, called Dreamcatcher Studio, where he recorded his own music as well working with other musicians and producing tracks.

He wrote hundreds of songs and played regularly at the Pegasus Club in Marlow Bottom throughout the 80s and 90s and at various High Wycombe venues.

The musician also played in a host of bands including Chameleon and Mainland and in 1991, he was awarded a Harp Beat Rock Plaque – an award that had previously been given to the likes of Elvis Presley – for playing more than 5,000 gigs.

He also recorded David Bowie’s Star before it appeared on the Ziggy Stardust album.

In 1982 Les drew acclaim from DJ Kenny Everett for his single Who Would Be the Winner, an anti-war song in protest at the Falklands War.

It was promptly dropped by Les' own record label and banned from almost every radio station because of the message it conveyed.

In an interview with the Bucks Free Press in 2012, he said he used to perform as many as 340 gigs a year to “keep going” but admitted that it was hard to make money unless you were “really famous”.

His best friend, Ria Parslow, said Les “lived for music” and his death has left a “huge void” in the lives of everyone who knew him.

She said: “I am devastated, he is going to be missed by so many. He supported live music big time, and always had time to help other musicians and encouraged them to write and record.

“He would always invite people to come to his studio and would often give away free studio time as charity prizes.

“Les had so much love for his family and friends, and loved spending time with them.

“He was my best friend for 29 years. We went on holidays together, I gave him away at his wedding to his wife Pennie. We spent thousands of hours playing gigs and recording together.

“He was well-known in High Wycombe and Marlow, but he was also known around the world. Hundreds of people came to see him at the Pegasus Club, which is where I met him.”

Before his death, he was on the verge of releasing a new album of bands playing his songs, entitled “The Ultimate Compliment”, and a documentary and book called “Les WHO?”

Ria says his family and friends will “make his dream happen” and finish the work he started.

Paul Mansell, from Marlow FM, paid tribute to the “music man” on his Magic Bus show on Saturday, May 6, replaying an interview with Les from 2011, where he spoke about his life and chose his favourite songs to play.

He told Paul that he felt “incredibly lucky” to have spent his life making music and was “grateful” for the experiences he had.

Les leaves behind a wife, Pennie, sons Crispin and Elliot, step-children Joshua and Libbie and grandchildren Flynn, Tiegan and Jobey.

His funeral will be held on Friday, May 19 at Amersham Crematorium from 4.45pm. A celebration will be held at Magnolia Park in Hughenden following the service.