Heartbreak as dad who became viral web sensation dancing through streets dies

Gary Marshall, from Thorne, died over the weekend, according to reports on social media.

The 55-year-old became an internation sensation after he began hitting the streets with his portable music system following the death of his dad Craig in 2016.

He could often be seen strutting through the town centre streets in his trademark shades and gold and black leather jacket, entertaining fans with 80s hits such as Tony Christie's Is This The Way To Amarillo and The Bangles' Walk Like An Egyptian.

When he was interviewed by the Doncaster Free Press in 2018, he said: "I just love playing my music - I always have done. I like dancing too and I love just going around the town centre making people happy.

"I'd been my dad’s carer for more than five years and when he died, I felt empty. For a month or so, I didn't know what to do with myself - my world felt like it was over.

"Then one day I just went out playing my music and it went from there."

More than 300 heartfelt tributes have been left by Doncaster residents on Gary’s Facebook page.

Victoria Whittemore said: “Always brought a smile when I saw him living his best life, dancing through the streets in town.”

Jayne Sanderson said: “RIP Gary. You made people smile, not many can say that.”

Kelly Middleton posted: “No! Heartbreaking, brought smiles and laughter to so many people in Doncaster and further afield.”

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