Multi instrumentalist Kevin Smith – a popular and talented performer who played countless gigs in Thanet as The Fling – has died at the age of 48.

Mr Smith, who was diagnosed with kidney cancer in June, collapsed while out walking and died a short time later in the Queen Mother hospital in Margate on December 21.

Many friends and fellow musicians have paid tribute to Mr Smith, who played professionally the violin, mandolin, bouzouki, harmonica, slide guitar, flute, accordion and banjo.

Despite his illness he carried on performing and played his last gig just four days before he died.

Friends described him as a one-off who would be sorely missed, with one saying that every instrument he touched he mastered and held with poise.

Mr Smith, who lived in The Street, Ash, formed the band The Original Fling about 20 years ago, later playing as a duo and then, for the past six or seven years, as a solo musician called The Fling.

He played in many venues around Kent and the UK and had a strong following, which included many musicians who used to come to watch his musical skill on so many instuments.

He had many fans in Thanet, and pubs and clubs he played at include: the Red Lion, Flying Horse, Northwood Club, all in Ramsgate; Broadstairs pubs including the Tartar Frigate, The Dolphin, The Rose, Wrotham Arms, and Neptune’s Hall Hotel; and at the 2010 Thanet Beer Festival at Margate Winter Gardens.

His set list usually included a wide range of musical styles, including traditional Irish folk, rock and roll, plus a few surprises, like punk favourite Hurry Up Harry by Sham 69. He also featured some of his original compositions.

His sense of humour and infectious enthusiasm guaranteed audience participation, whether by singing along or dancing, which kept him in high demand by venues.

Friends said Mr Smith was a musical legend as far as Kent was concerned and was in a class of his own. His gigs were full of energy and fire and he was a master of all his instruments. He was devoted to music and if he wasn’t gigging, he was practising. Many other musicians were in awe of his playing and he had a real connection with his audience.

Mr Smith leaves a widow Jo and three children.

His funeral is at 1pm tomorrow (Friday January 7) at Ash Church, followed by a get-together at the Fleur de Lis in Delf Street, Sandwich.