MUSIC MAN: Matt Sykes (left) with members of the local band Southerly Change.
IT was through his musical talent that Mr Sykes became well known to most.
He had played in the bands Aces High, Southerly Change and more recently with Paul Greene.
Mr Sykes had just returned from a tour with Paul Greene’s band Paul Greene and the Other Colours.
“I’ve known Matt for a couple of years, he’d been touring with me since August last year,” Mr Greene said.
“We just got back from Woodford Folk Festival.
“Myself, our bass player and Matt had a real connection, not just as players.
“Matt was passionate about what he did and his versatility as a drummer was incredible.
“He had a passion for African drumming and brought a lot of influences from that to the music. He gave our music a new life.
“One of the best examples of what a multifaceted and brilliant person he was would have to be our first gig.
“He turned up to our first gig, it was a record launch party, there were record label people there, so it was a pretty big deal.
“We’d only had two rehearsals before it but he nailed it.
“Then he told us he had caught two lobsters at Kiama on the way up to Sydney that morning and asked if we thought the chef would cook them for us.
“You wouldn’t believe the number of times we would catch dinner for everyone.
“He inspired me, he had a way of living by his principles, he did what he loved, not for money but because he loved it.
“Matt could play many instruments and was also a producer and had recorded a lot of incredible artists. But he never wore it on his sleeve.
“He never let what he did make him the person he is. He was just Matt.
“It is such a sad loss for everyone who knew him.
“It is also incredible that he died at the rock and roll age of 27, like Jimmy Hendrix, Amy Winehouse, Jim Morrison and Kurt Cobain.”