“GENTLE giant” Nick Barry’s grieving son has paid an emotional tribute to the inspirational father and grandfather.

Sean Barry’s touching Facebook message was among many posted yesterday by the popular drummer’s shocked family and friends.

He said: “You were an inspiration to me and a true legend; a biker by life and a biker by death. Big Nick by stature, character and heart. I will always love you dad, I’m just grateful you got to see your grandson recently and I know how much that meant to you.

“You will be greatly missed by all and I’m proud to be your son. It’s a real shame you won’t get a chance to see your second grandchild but believe me I’ll have plenty of stories to tell him/her.

“You may have been taken from us early but no-one can deny that you lived life to the full. Sleep well, miss you dad.”

Craig Gray described Mr Barry as “one of the nicest, most genuine people I ever had the privilege of meeting, let alone make music with” while Leah Macdonald said: “So alive, so compassionate, so passionate, always there for anyone.”

Mark Cummins posted: “Simply cannot believe it. Don’t want to believe it. I guess you are needed somewhere else now. God bless you man, drummer in the sky.”

Mark Dempster said: “RIP Nick. I can’t believe you are gone, loved you big man” while Robert Mella-Rua said: “I don’t have the words Nick, the warmth you showed me I will always carry with me. Till we meet again my friend, God bless.”

Marie Neale described Mr Barry as “a massive inspiration” while Lisa Elliott said: “Sending love and light to a wonderful man with a beautiful soul.”

Amy Francis Chorley-Young said: “Gone but never forgotten. Until we all meet again xxx”.

Penny Chequer posted: “I guess you’ll be making music with the angels now.”

A statement, on behalf of Mr Barry’s family, said they had been comforted by the many Facebook comments.