Rae Donaldson: Tributes paid to popular Manchester music shop boss

Rae Donaldson was praised for his "enthusiasm and musical knowledge"

Tributes have been paid to a popular Manchester record shop owner whose store was frequented by stars of the city's music scene.

Rae Donaldson worked at Vinyl Exchange in the city's Northern Quarter for almost 30 years.

The store said he died while on his way to work on Friday, his 64th birthday.

Among the tributes, former Hacienda DJ Dave Haslam said: "Music fans get attached to their favourite record shop staff. I loved him."

He described Mr Donaldson as "so interested, so sussed" and "a beautiful soul".

The store said his death had "knocked us sideways" and Mr Donaldson would be "a hard act to follow".

"We hope to mirror his passion, enthusiasm, musical knowledge and recommendations," it added.

'Extremely knowlegable'

Musician John Robb, of The Membranes band, said Mr Donaldson was "music through and through".

Several music fans also shared memories of Mr Donaldson, who previously appeared on the BBC quiz Mastermind.

One posted: "If I ever saw anything I fancied and my funds were short, he would often let me take it on a 'pay when you can' basis. I never once let his trust go misplaced."

Another said: "Manchester will feel emptier without Rae. He has connected and meant so much to many people. Always found him to be kind, gentle and extremely knowledgeable."

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