The family of a popular Dundee musician have paid tribute to “a total one-off” who died after suffering a suspected heart attack at his city centre home.
Frankie Falconer (48) a cousin of The View’s Kyle Falconer was a well-known face in the local music scene, having played in numerous groups before going solo more than a decade ago.
He leaves behind his daughter Holly (22) and Claire (31), his partner of 11 years who he met through their shared love of music.
Frankie had spent almost 30 years gigging with his guitar in venues across Scotland and further afield and was “worshipped” by Kyle and his brother Ronnie, their sister Kim Knight, also a singer, said.
“They used to look up to him so much he was really close to Kyle and Ronnie. Frankie used to go to rehearsals and when we had parties he was always singing and playing along with them. They totally worshipped him.
“Kyle is very upset and has gone down to London. I don’t think he wanted to speak to anybody when he heard,” Kim said.’Brilliant guy’Ronnie, who plays guitar with Dundee band The Twist, described Frankie as “one of a kind”, adding, “He was always happy and was really well liked. He was a good character. You couldn’t get a word in when he was talking but he was a brilliant guy.”
Holly said, “It has been a real shock for everyone. It was really sudden. He was in his flat when it happened and we have been told it was heart disease that caused his heart to stop.
“We didn’t have any idea about it and he was always quite fit, so it was a total shock.”
Holly said she and the whole family are trying to come to terms with their loss.
“Everyone is upset,” she said. “We are coping in our own way and we are just trying to keep ourselves busy. My dad loved music, that was his passion.
“He taught himself to play guitar and played all across Scotland. He was so funny the comedic value of him, you couldn’t replace it. He was such a character and I’m not just saying that because he’s my dad.
“We were really close and we would tell each other everything. I hope people remember him through his music and for always being himself, no matter what. He always lived for today and we will always miss him.’Soulmates'”His partner Claire and him were soulmates. They were together for 11 years. He was so talented and he had a total presence about him.”
His devastated sister Fiona Smith (44) said his family and his music were his world.
She said, “He meant the world to us and, to my mum especially, he was always really good. They had a really strong relationship and he would do anything for her.
“He looked after her and also made sure we were all right.”
Born at Maryfield Hospital in Dundee, Frankie was initially brought up in the Westport area before the family moved to Ardler. He went to St Fergus Primary and Lawside Academy but his life really began when he picked up a guitar for the first time, aged 17. He gigged with a number of local bands including Frenzy and Dance Attack before branching out as a solo artist more than decade ago.
Aside from Holly and Claire, Mr Falconer is survived by his two sisters Anne and Fiona and his mother Rose.