THE man killed following a hit and run incident last weekend, supported rock bands The Who and Hawkwind in the 1970s.

John Erentrauts was struck by a passing vehicle in Redbourn Lane, Harpenden in the early hours of July 1.

His death is also the second tragedy to hit the Erentrauts family in a year. John's brother, Robert, was tragically murdered in Bedford in 2006. Two teenagers have been charged with his murder and are due to stand trial in October.

Officers from Hertfordshire Constabulary are still continuing their investigation into John's death and have issued an extensive appeal for witnesses and information.

His family have also paid tribute to the father of two who was heading home after attending a bikers event at Harpenden Rugby Club.

John was born in Hastings to a Latvian mother and father, both of whom came to Britain during the Second World War.

He grew up in Hatfield and there his love of music developed. From starting out in a church choir to singing and playing in his teens at folk clubs, he later became lead singer with Hatfield based rock band Albert Monk and supported The Who and Hawkwind.

Through the 1980s he was a songwriter, lead singer and harmonica player in Welwyn Garden City based band Commuter.

He was still gigging in Herts and Beds and often further a field playing blues harmonica before his death.

He worked as a salesman for Buttles Builders Merchants in St Albans where he worked for nearly 25 years. He had two sons Lee a police officer in Leicestershire and Lewis a stock controller.

In December 2006 he became a grandfather for the first time and was devoted to his grandson Alfie. He also leaves behind his 81-year-old widowed mother, Dzidra who lives in Hatfield.

John loved music and the biking world and had enjoyed an evening with friends before the incident occurred.

His son Lee Thompson said: "He was an incredible father and grandfather with a very happy go lucky nature.

"Dad had a tremendous sense of humour and was very popular with friends and colleagues at work. He was devoted to his family and his music and loved spending time with his biking friends. We will miss him so very much."