'A global icon in Half Man Half Biscuit hat'

TEARS, LAUGHTER AND MUSIC AT FUNERAL OF BELOVED PUB LANDLORD

- DAMON WILKINSON

THERE were tears, laughter and, of course, music as friends and family came together at a moving funeral service for much-loved Star and Garter landlord Andy Martin.

The dad-of two died in March aged 52, four days after being admitted to hospital with a suspected stroke.

Following his death, tributes poured in from across the world for the man who ran one of Manchester's most important indie music venues for more than 20 years.

At his funeral at Blackley crematorium yesterday, several mourners wore Star and Garter T-shirts as songs by some of his favourite acts were played.

They included Isn't She Lovely by Stevie Wonder, This Must Be the Place by Talking Heads and Terminus by his beloved Half Man Half Biscuit.

Friend Julie Hamill, who organised the legendary MozFest Smiths nights with Andy, described him as 'local landlord who became a global icon in a Half Man Half Biscuit hat.