Described by many as a “legend”, the musician was known to be front and centre – often with a VB in hand – supporting local bands for decades.

Music Farmers record store co-owner Jeb Taylor first met Mutton as a teenager and said he’d spot him at “basically any gig around town” ever since.

“Dave was one of the biggest supporters of local music I’ve ever known,” Taylor said. “He was always a presence on the local scene, that’s why so many people knew him.”

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Before joining Wollongong’s NICE FOLK with Lax Charisma, Mutton had played in numerous other groups like The Carcinogenics and Psychotic Numbskulls – and was forever writing songs.

“When we first met ... I thought I’d found Lou Reed, he was a street poet filled with an authenticity and attention to detail you couldn’t make up,” Charisma said.

His support of Illawarra talent was so genuine, he said, Mutton’s praise would have musicians feeling like they were the “best in the world”

It’s understood Mutton did not want a funeral. On Thursday, family were still to determine if a memorial service would go ahead.

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