Described as "one of Brighton's finest", tour manager Derrick hosted bands around the world and stage-managed venues and festivals.

Speaking yesterday, friend Paul Beard said: "Got some really sad news to pass on. Derrick 'The Perv" Furnival passed away this morning.

"One of Brighton's great characters and much loved and under that hat was a heart of gold. I'll miss him like f***.

"Well Hell's getting pretty rowdy tonight I imagine."

Bill Smith, founder of Latest TV and friend since the 1980s, said Derrick was "instrumental in setting up everything that happened in clubland on the seafront".

He said: "He has always been at the forefront of every new cultural development that has ever happened in Brighton - although our crowd doesn't call it cultural development.

"Brighton is now known as one of the top clubbing destinations, top places for dance music, he was one of the originals.

"He was an absolute one-off, there is no one like him.

"As funny as Charlie Chaplin and as kind as Mother Teresa - in my view, one of the most terrible losses Brighton has had in many years."

Well-wishers have been paying tribute and sharing stories of the "Brighton legend" online following his death.

"Will never be forgotten," said one.

"Always remember him in the 80s in his tiny orange Messerschmitt bubble car shooting up and down North Laine with his pet Alsatian crammed in next to him. Like a punk Salvador Dali."

Another said: "Will miss your naughty quips, and sharp as news from the old people's home. Back in the 80/90s... all those club nights, Subterfuge to the Ocean rooms... back in the day fun times.

"Last time I saw Del was in Sainsbury's car park, we had a quick chat, laughed and went on our way. Who'd have thought that would be the last time."

Another said: "I am so sad and so shocked to hear this news.

"I’ve known Del since I was 15 and loved him.

"So upset, sending love to everyone else in our teenage Brighton ‘gang’ from the 80s who’s feeling the same