Martyn Hett wasn't a celebrity in a traditional sense, but he touched the lives of thousands with his hilarious tweets and brilliantly inventive sense of humour. If you haven't watched his Coronation Street-themed viral video, "The Audrey Roberts Noise," you're missing out on some peak internet lolz.
Martyn, a 29-year-old PR executive and writer from Stockport, was one of the 22 people who lost their lives in last week's senseless terrorist attack at Manchester Arena. The likes of Mariah Carey, Nick Grimshaw, and Years and Years' Olly Alexander have since paid tribute to him, and yesterday a vigil was held in his honour at Stockport's Heaton Moor Park.
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As the Manchester Evening News reports, the event attracted a crowd of hundreds, including several actors who've appeared in Hett's favourite TV show, Coronation Street. One of them, Julie Hesmondhalgh, shared a picture of the shrine created in his honour. "ICONIC" features prominently because it was one of Martyn's favourite words.
Honoured to be at his fabulous feet. Beautiful night of celebrating a life lived to the full ❤?? #BeMoreMartyn pic.twitter.com/ltxL5zGGvL
— Julie Hesmondhalgh (@juliehes) May 28, 2017
At the event, Martyn's mum, Figen, hailed her son for being "comical beyond belief," calling him an "iconic, fun, eccentric diva." Martyn's former partner Russell Hayward told the crowd he had lost his soulmate.
Meanwhile, the hashtag #BeMoreMartyn is now trending online. Fans and friends are using it as a way of encouraging themselves and others to live their lives to the fullest, less self-consciously, and with more joie de vivre. One person has even had the phrase tattooed on his arm.
In another heartwarming tribute, a commemoration T-shirt has been created by designer Holly Shortall and London-based retailer Philip Normal. It shows Martyn in a very Martyn pose, and includes a quote from Michelle McManus, one of his favourite singers.
I've set up a Gofundme page for the #bemoremartyn t shirt designed by @hollyshortall https://t.co/v9Q9hkfU9Q pic.twitter.com/ZAoJhVfZz3
— Philip Normal (@philipnormal) May 28, 2017
In the interests of full disclosure, I should point out that I was lucky enough to meet Martyn a few times because we had several friends in common. On one occasion, he came to my flat for pre-drinks and demanded that I stopped playing whatever I was playing (probably Madonna) so we could all hear his favourite song by cult '80s pop diva Sybil. Obviously I obliged.
No one could have predicted that his death would have this kind of effect on so many people, but at the same time, having met him, it makes total sense. Martyn was a real force of nature, extremely funny, and truly one of a kind.