Tributes, condolences and messages of love have been pouring in after the sudden loss of Sarge Metal Fatigue, a prominent body piercing business founder who has been labelled an “inspiration” by clients and friends.

Sarge died on Tuesday, January 25, after a short but brave battle with illness. He was 52 years old.

Known throughout the community for his unique character, eccentric dress sense and alternative lifestyle, Sarge was born Christopher David Sargent in Oldham.

A young Sarge Metal Fatigue

He was an early follower of the goth subculture and began practising body piercing at a time when it was considered an underground and non-conventional form of body modification.

However, as his closest friends would attest to, Sarge was a proudly non-conventional individual who unknowingly helped inspire young people interested in goth culture express themselves through piercings and personal image.

A professional for close to 30 years, Sarge’s colleagues said he was constantly evolving as Dorset’s first and only dedicated piercing studio practitioner. He studied and respected the origins of body modification, ensuring all his clients be given as much information as possible before being pierced.

He was also at the forefront of helping shift body piercing from a niche market into a mainstream business – while maintaining the highest industry standards at his popular body piercing clinic Metal Fatigue in Old Christchurch Road.

Sarge Metal Fatigue. Picture: Deefa D De'Ville Photography

Piercing was not the extent of Sarge’s talents. He was also an accomplished musician who regularly performed music alongside his close friend Si Genaro – known for his appearances on BBC’s The Voice.

After announcing his passing to thousands of followers on Facebook, his partner Vicci Johnson has told the Echo of her heartfelt appreciation for the outpouring of support and memories of Sarge.

Sarge Metal Fatigue

She said: “The reaction has been overwhelming and so heart-warming. I feel very humbled and privileged for the community and it’s not something I would have expected. We’re so touched and it’s a testament to Sarge.

“He was a very open person, interested in everything and everybody. He was into so many aspects of culture and history, be it pop culture or music. We have a phrase that there was a Venn diagram of Sarge – as you looked around you saw circles of different kinds of people who gravitated towards him. Then, at the intersection of this diagram was a very approachable, gregarious, and incredible man.”

Vicci and Sarge were together for 11 years and were described as “inseparable”. Sarge’s love for his partner also extended to her three adult sons, who respected him immensely. She added: “There were two sides to him. There was the public Sarge who had a lot of time for the community, and the family Sarge – a side many weren’t privy to.

Sarge Metal Fatigue with his partner Vicci, father Doug and stepmother Anne

“He had a big family up north with his dad Doug and stepmother Anne, they loved him so much.

“His loss is profound for everyone but the only thing we can do is carry forward the legacy he built and make him proud wherever he is now.

“He’s the only person who’s ever had all of my heart.”

Shortly before his passing, Sarge helped Vicci relaunch Dark Side of the Mirror, a gothic emporium store in Christchurch Road.

Sarge Metal Fatigue and his partner Vicci Johnson

Both Metal Fatigue and Dark Side of the Mirror will remain open in Sarge’s memory.