TRIBUTES have been paid to “the force behind the Southampton music scene” after he was found dead at his family home.

Friends and family of 43-year-old Glenn Lovell, who had owned historic music venue The Joiners, said that he was a “devoted and passionate” father and music lover.

Glenn, who owned a Botley restaurant, booked bands including the Arctic Monkeys in Southampton, as well as supporting a number of bands from the city itself.

His wife Michelle, 44, said she was absolutely heartbroken after Glenn’s death on March 16.

She said: “If I had to describe him in one phrase, it would be ‘a devoted family man’.

“He was passionate about his kids, they were never found wanting, and if Glenn couldn’t get something they wanted, it would kill him inside.

“I am absolutely heartbroken, and it was so sudden and out of the blue. I just wish I could show him the love and support that the music community is showing him now, I don’t think he ever realised how much of a difference he made to people.”

Glenn and Michelle raised three children together, including six-year-old Hartley, who has Down’s syndrome.

Michelle, of Hedge End, added: “He was so great with Hartley, it was lovely to see. I just can’t explain it.”

Glenn owned the historic Joiners Arms from 2004, and booked Sheffield rock band Arctic Monkeys one week before their breakout single I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor shot them to success.

The band he chose to support the group included one of his best friends, Bill Acharjee, whom he met after university.

Bill, who played as part of his band at the time, dead!dead!dead!, said Glenn was the force behind the city’s current music scene.

He said: “I first met Glenn in 2000 after I came back from university, and a few years later after he was the owner of The Joiners. He asked me to support this little band from Sheffield called the Arctic Monkeys. He was an incredible man, and we began to drift apart but I last spoke to him in December. I can’t believe what has happened.”

A fundraising page has been set up to support the family and mental health causes in Glenn’s memory.

Michelle added: “Rather than a wake, we want to create a GlennFest, and get all of the bands that Glenn supported back to raise some money for causes, although I haven’t decided which yet.

“He changed so many lives and we want to help him change more.”

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/glennlovell.