TRIBUTES have been paid to a ‘superbly talented’ rock musician who died suddenly in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

Matthew Cogley, 30, was the singer, guitarist and songwriter with alternative rock band Failsafe.

They have released three albums since forming in 2005 and have toured extensively in Britain, Europe and the USA.

Mr Cogley’s family said the former pupil of Holy Cross RC High School, Chorley, had died suddenly in the early hours of Thursday in Belfast.

It is understood he had attended a wedding in Northern Ireland earlier this week and had extended his stay to see in the New Year.

His brother Martin said: “My amazing brother passed away suddenly while in Belfast.

“We will miss him so much - beyond words can express - and we know that hundreds of other people in Chorley, around the country and across the world will feel the same way.

“Matthew was such a talented musician and songwriter, not to mention a superbly accomplished joiner. He could turn his hand to anything.

“His music with bandmates Failsafe and his solo work was enjoyed by thousands of people.

“It’s going to take a long time to come to terms with our loss.

“Matthew was loved so much by so many people and will be forever remembered by everyone.”

Matthew, from Chorley, also leaves girlfriend Rachel and parents Martin and Linda.

He was known for his encouragement of other musicians and was and was an extremely popular figure on the gig circuit.

Fellow musician Seamus McLoughlin performed with Matthew on many occasions.

He said: “He was one of my best friends and my heart is completely broken.

“It all seems unreal. I’m trying to come to terms that I will never see him again or hear him sing one of his many beautiful songs.

“We played so many shows together and his musical experience was second to none due to his years of touring with his amazing band Failsafe.

“We would sometimes bicker and argue about silly things, but in the same sentence he’d have me roaring with laughter.”

Some highlights of Matthew’s musical career with Failsafe included performing at the SXSW Festival in Texas in 2010 and recording a live session at the BBC’s Maida Vale studios.

Matthew and Failsafe also appeared in the Channel 4 comedy show The Inbetweeners.featuring as the band from the episode The Gig and the Girlfriend.

Another musician, Matthew Reynolds, played gigs with Failsafe.

He said: “Matt always had time for people. He was kind and warm-hearted with an innate knack of making people laugh the kind of laughs where you feel like you’re being naughty.

“He was handsome and charming, caring, insightful, intelligent and witty.

“As a musician, Matt had a relentless energy and passion I haven’t seen in many other people. His songwriting was skilled, poignant and poetic, his ear for simple, memorable melodies constantly evolving.”