Hundreds of people mourned the death of a talented local musician who died last week, days before his birthday.

Pete Joyce had arranged to celebrate his birthday on Sunday at the Green Dragon, one of the many pubs in Croydon where he performed, with a special live gig.

However, the 31-year-old died on Monday of a suspected overdose.

Mr Joyce was well known in Croydon as a talented musician and could often be seen busking around the borough. He also taught music.

He was in a number of bands and played a variety of instruments including the saxophone, oboe, penny whistle and flute.

He was renowned as an exceptional jazz player.

Duncan White, who played in a folk band with Mr Joyce called Home Brood, paid tribute to his friend of three years.

He said: “I was very shocked and saddened when I heard about his death.

“He was such a cheerful, bubbly person, always upbeat and up for a laugh. When I think of him, I will think of him smiling and playing.

“I will always remember him as a fun loving person with an amazing gift for music.”

Mr Joyce taught music all around London and played gigs in The Green Dragon as well as The Brief pubs.

He could often be seen busking in North End and played in the recent St Patrick’s day celebrations.

Mr White said: “He always had time to speak to people and encourage them.

“He touched a lot of people’s lives, so many knew and loved him.

“It is a sad situation, especially for his family.

“He would have played with hundreds of people, he was very versatile.

“So many of them turned up on Sunday . There were people there from so many different walks of life who did not know each other but wanted to pay tribute to Pete.”

An inquest has been opened and adjourned into his death.

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