When any heavy metal band rocked out at Dicey Rileys pub, the group could be sure to spot the bushy beard and heavily pierced face of Dave Ratcliffe in the crowd.
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An avid supporter of the region's punk and metal scenes for more than 20 years, Ratcliffe - and his trademark butterscotch schnapps - were never far from a show, nodding along to some of the Illawarra's favourite musical offerings.
The 40-year-old died suddenly on January 17 after an alleged altercation at a property on New Dapto Road in Wollongong.
His death shocked family and friends - many who knew him from his regular attendance at gigs - and prompted couple Melissa Jarrett and James Farrugia to organise a benefit in his honour.
Describing Mr Ratcliffe as a keen spectator, Ms Jarrett said "Big Dave" "never missed heavy metal, punk, even blues shows ... He was at every single gig," she said.
Despite Mr Ratcliffe's "wild" appearance, Ms Jarrett said he was a gentle giant who was quick to greet newcomers.
"I met him at Dicey Rileys at a metal gig," Ms Jarrett said.
"I was just standing there and he came over and said: 'Hi, I'm Dave, you're beautiful.
"We had a chat about music and then my partner [James] came over and talked to him; our whole group knew him, he was really good at coming up to you if you were standing by yourself and saying hello."
Nearly 300 people are expected to attend DaveWave, a tribute to the metal fan, at Dicey Rileys on February 22.
Nine Illawarra metal bands are set to play the gig, along with seven acoustic acts.
Donations for a raffle have already flooded in, with proceeds donated to Mr Ratcliffe's family.
"We've had so many bands wanting to play, we've just had that much interest in the event," Ms Jarrett said.
"All of them were friends of Dave's, he touched a lot of hearts."
The fundraiser will run from 2pm until 11pm.
Bands including Rukus, The Dead Rats and the Acid Monkeys are set to play.
A 22-year-old man has been charged over the alleged altercation involving Mr Ratcliffe and will appear in court next month.