Tributes to ‘talented musician’

BANDMATES of a popular rapper who died from stab wounds in Rochdale have paid tribute to the ‘talented’ musician.

Matty Shaw, 25, a member of the eight-strong Rochdale-based Team23 rap crew, died following an incident on the Lower Falinge estate on Wednesday, May 9.

A teenager has been charged with murder in connection with his death.

Now fellow members of Team23 have been paid heartfelt tributes to their ‘talented, outspoken’ friend.

Mitchell Lingard, 23, was with Matty the night he died. Matty had been staying at Mitchell’s Lower Falinge flat in the months before his death.

Mitchell said: “We met through the group about six months ago. “It was quite an intense friendship. “He seemed quiet at first, but he ended up being probably the most outspoken one in the group.

“He was deep and a little bit dark, but was also a very, very funny person and a very creative and talented individual.

“You definitely couldn’t judge him by his cover.”

Fellow Team23 member Jay Adams has recorded a track in memory of his friend, entitled #Team23 (RIP Matty Shaw).

The 22-year-old, from Milnrow, said: “In Team23 we’ve all been through different paths in our lives, we’ve all had our issues.

“But through our music we’re able to explain how we’re really feeling. It’s an outlet for us.

“It’s been one of the worst weeks of my life.

“Matty was always the one in the corner of the room and if there was a laugh, he’d be the one providing it.

“He would do anything for anyone. It’s hurt us so deep, he was such a nice guy. “He didn’t deserve this. “That’s why we’re finding it so hard to live with.”

Friends have also paid tribute to Matty on social media, describing him as a ‘hard-working’ and ‘nice lad’ who was taken ‘too soon.’

Dani Louise shared a photo of Matty on Facebook, writing: “Known you all my life, just can’t believe what I’m hearing, was such a lovely and caring lad, RIP Matty. Will always be in my thoughts.”

Nathan Bradbury, 19, of no fixed address, has been charged with murder and section 47 assault.

He is due to appear at Manchester Crown Court.