Sadness as death of DJ at iconic Wolverhampton rock venue is announced

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.