MUSICAL memories strike the right note in salutes to a 'legendary' figure from Herefordshire's early rock scene.

Robert 'Fish' Fisher, 60s star of The Soulents -- counted among the county's greatest-ever groups -- has died at his home in the USA.

Friends have paid tribute to the talents of 'Fish' as a singer and bass player, skills he shared with other acts emerging out of the area in that era.

But above all he is recalled as a 'restless spirit' with a love for, and encyclopaedic knowledge of music.

Robert, from Ross-on-Wye, worked with various local firms before 'going live'.

His character contributed to a scene that spawned Mott the Hoople, playing with line-ups like The Anchors, The Silence, and The Uncertain Kind - with whom he toured Germany in 1965/66.

An enthusiastic performer, Robert is particularly remembered for 'wild' appearances at Hereford's 1600 Club where he starred with the celebrated Soulents.

Robert was there in 1990 when he and the other original members -- Overend Watts, Paul Jeffery, Patrick Brooke and Dale Griffin-- made a first -time reunion recording at the famous Rockfield studio. The result was a CD called 'Shotgun Eyes'.

Robert continued to play when he eventually settled in the USA, marrying and making a home in Milwaukee.

Ross, however, was never far from his thoughts, and he made frequent return visits.

Shock and sadness at Robert's death, aged 53, is shared around a wide circle.

He leaves a brother, a sister and a wife Ruby Jo Lewark.