ONE of the most recognisable and best-loved charcters on the Oxford music scene, Philip Guy Davis, has died at the age of 78.

The promoter, who for many years ran the city's Famous Monday Blues night at various venues, including the Jericho Tavern, died at the John Radcliffe Hospital last night, after suffering heart and lung failure.

He had been ill for some time and was forced to retire from concert promoting in September, ending half a century in the music business.

A well known figure, his distinctive mane of silver hair and loops of silver jewellery earned him the affectionate nickname Silver Phil.

Before taking over the then-ailing Monday Blues, Mr Guy Davis, who lived in Walton Street, Jericho, had led a colourful life, running clubs in Cheltenham, London and Spain. He was part of the St Tropez set which included actress Bridget Bardot, and was a close friend of the late Rolling Stone Brian Jones.

Friends of Mr Guy Davis, including members of the band Never the Bride, which he had managed, had gathered to wish him a happy retirement when he stepped down from his blues night two months ago.

At the time, he told the Oxford Mail: "I’m very proud of the Famous Monday Blues. I have done this all over the world but it’s been wonderful to have been able to bring it to Oxford and share the enjoyment.

“If what I’ve done here has given people pleasure, then that’s great.”

He leaves two sons, Marcel and Jools.