MUSIC legend Sir Bob Geldof may be making an appearance in Worcestershire tomorrow to mourn the loss of a manager and friend.

Mick "The Mick" Owen, was Geldof's friend, manager and business colleague.

The 56-year-old from Bewdley died on Saturday, March 8.

Last month, Geldof received the lifetime achievement award from the Meteor Ireland Music awards and reportedly presented it to Mr Owen.

A tribute has been posted on Geldof's official website, www.bobgeldof.info

"It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Mick "The Mick" Owen, who left us during the early hours of Saturday morning, March 8, 2003," read the statement.

"Our thoughts and deepest sympathy are with Mick's wife, Barbara, and family and to Bob and the band and the many people who knew and worked with him. Mick will be greatly missed."

Ian Gibbons who knew Mr Owen from the early days of the Boomtown Rats also posted a joint tribute with fellow musician Tina McBain on the website.

"We are privileged to have known Mick, and he has left a big hole to fill," they said.

"But even now, after this very short period since he died, we can remember his grit, stabbing humour and professionalism.

"Thank you, Mick, for allowing us into your life in a small way. We will miss you, and never forget you.

"Mick Owen did not suffer fools gladly. He was tough, and a rock 'n' roll manager of the old school.

"You have to be in that sort of a job, but behind the professional approach to the business of looking after No.1 and the band, Mick Owen was a fine, gentle man with a very caring nature who treated everyone with the respect they deserved.

"To us, who worked closely with Mick, we can now safely say his bark was worse than his bite."

Mr Owen leaves a wife, Barbara, a son Andrew and a granddaughter Olivia.

The funeral will be held tomorrow, at All Saints Church in Wribbenhall, near Bewdley, at 2.30pm.