HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to much-loved Greenock music man who has passed away at the age of 65. 

Shakin Pyramids and Cuban Heels legend Davie Duncan passed way in early June after tragically suffering a stroke. 

Davie was well-known across Inverclyde and beyond for being a very talented multi-instrumentalist, cycling enthusiast, accomplished artist, and devoted family man. 

(Image: Newsquest)
Davie's brother Jim told the Telegraph that his big brother lived a 'really interesting life' and will be missed by so many people. 

Jim, 60, said: "He was a really dynamic and exciting guy right up until the end. 

"Music was always the thing for him but he loved his family and his wife and kids first and foremost. 

"He was a great guy to be around and amazing to work with."

Davie was born in Rankin Memorial Hospital and lived with his parents and brothers Jim and John on Shore Street in Gourock, before moving to Larkfield Road, and then to Rankin Street. 

(Image: The Duncan Family)
He attended St Ninian's, St Joseph's, and St Mary's, then finished his school career at St Columba's in Gourock. 

Davie's musical talents came to the fore when he joined Corlic Pipe Band. 

Jim said: "He started playing the snare drum and what an incredible noise he made!

"His primary instrument was always the drums but he could turn his hand to anything."

Davie was in a band called Fritz at school, and with pals Laurie Cuffe, Paul Armour, and Johnny Milarky, he formed The Cuban Heels. 

(Image: The Duncan Family)
In 1980, Davie joined forces with pals James G Creighton and Kenny McLellan to become The Shakin' Pyramids. 

The trio busked all over France and went to London where they were spotted busking outside the Virgin Records store.

Soon afterwards they were signed to Cuba Libre, a subsidiary of Richard Branson's Virgin label.

The trio recorded two studio albums, made an EP with skiffle star Lonnie Donegan, and appeared on BBC's Pebble Mill. 

Jim said: "They had a cult following and were really well-liked. 

"They fell out of favour in 1983 and Davie came back home to Inverclyde."

When Davie returned, he started playing in Corlic Pipe Band again and also drummed for the Glasgow Skye Association Pipe Band. 

(Image: The Duncan Family)
When Davie got to know singer songwriter Dougie MacLean, he wowed him with his musical prowess, and with his artistic skills. 

Jim said: "He played guitar, harmonica, and a lot of other instruments and appeared on some of Dougie's albums. 

"He was a very skilled multi-instrumentalist and was an amazing artist too. 

"I always remember Davie being a brilliant drawer. 

"He created some of the artwork for Dougie's posters and album covers and Dougie always said how brilliant he was."

In the late 1990s, Davie studied graphic design at James Watt College - and that's where he met the love of his life Monica. 

The couple married in 2001 and went on to have a daughter Isla and son Calum. 

In the late 2010s, Davie formed Velononios with Kenny McLellan, Laurie Cuffe, and Shug Jamieson 

They played at the Glad Cafe in Shawlands, and at the Edinburgh Festival, and were booked to play festivals but the band had to come to an end when Monica was sadly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2019. 

Monica passed away after a bravely-fought battle, and Jim said her passing was an 'unbelievable tragedy for the whole family'. 

Jim said while music was perhaps what Davie was best known for, he was a great footballer too. 

When he was at St Joseph's Primary, his team won the Stinson Shield and played in the final at Cappielow. 

Jim added: "He was an amazing dribbler of the ball, you couldn't get the ball off him."

Davie's first job was at Brodie's in Greenock, and he went on to work as a labourer at Wemyss Bay caravan park. 

In recent years he worked as a postman, and later went on to take on a role with the team at ICDT Community Tracks. 

Jim said Davie was working there right up until the day before he passed away. 

He added: "Davie loved cycling and everything to do with bikes.

"He taught himself how to take them apart, fix them, and put them back together again."

Jim has thanked everyone for their good wishes and tributes offered after Davie's passing.

He added: "He was an amazing man. 

"His funeral mass was absolutely mobbed. 

"So many people came to pay tribute to him."