Tributes have been paid to a true champion of Bedford’s grassroots music scene, Michael Herd.
The team at Esquires, and local record shop, Slide, were among the first to share their fond memories of someone they described as “exceptionally kind” and “a Bedford legend”.
“We are heartbroken at the loss of Michael Herd,” wrote Nerys and Warren, owners of Slide Records.
“Champion of grassroots venues, artists and overall Bedford legend, Michael became our friend pretty much as soon as Slide opened.”
Encapsulating his generosity of spirit, they wrote on their Facebook page: “Michael put change in the charity collection box every time he came in, offered to get us a coffee if we were stuck in a busy shop, and always asked how the boys were doing.
“That’s before we get on to his quite frankly outrageous music knowledge. We had wonderful chats at the counter and learnt so much from him.
“Michael’s passion for music was a balm in a world where it is very easy to become jaded.
“Michael was a kind, gentle, lovely soul who was a friend to so many. He will be desperately missed in our community. We loved him dearly.”
“One of the absolute stars of Bedford”
Michael was a regular gig-goer at Bedford’s grassroots music venue, Esquires, and Gareth and the team there shared their memories.
“Everyone here at Esquires was very saddened to hear about the unexpected passing of one of the absolute stars of Bedford, Michael Herd.
“For countless years, Michael has been a huge supporter of the venue and the local scene in general.
“An exceptionally kind person, Michael would love to chat about music and was always the first to offer his many friends a drink or a spare ticket to a sold-out gig.”
Esquires’ Facebook post has been inundated with comments and memories of friends and acquaintances of Michael’s from across Bedford’s music-loving community.
“As others have already pointed out, he would have loved the shows we’ve had on this week,” wrote Esquires’ owner, Gareth Barber.
“It was both upsetting and bewildering for us all not to see him stood in his usual spot at the back of the main stage.
“He will be very much missed, and our thoughts are with his friends and family.”
This article was updated on Friday, 10 July 2026 at 5.41pm to add dates to the headline of the obituary.
