The Bermuda Entertainment Union mourned the loss of musician and political activist David W Burch, who died at the age of 75.

A BEU spokesman highlighted Mr Burch’s long history as a performer.

Mr Burch performed and recorded as Papa D, and sang with 1960s groups including The Superiors and The Rainbows, which enjoyed chart success with the song “Rainy Days”.

The spokesman said: “While he lived abroad from many years, he later returned and made an appearance at the Bermuda Music Festival in Dockyard, which featured the Quincy Jones Orchestra and Friends, in 2010.

“He was a frequent flyer on the talk show scene as a strong advocate for independence - in fact, he ran as an Independent candidate in the last election.

“He walked his talk.”