'Stuart had heart as big as a mountain': The Edge

The Edge has paid tribute to tragic musician Stuart Adamson, as preparations were being made to fly the Big Country frontman’s body home.

Adamson apparently hanged himself in a Hawaii hotel room after a long battle with drink and personal problems.

Twice-married Adamson, whose body was found at the weekend, was 43.

"Stuart made some great music during his career and his character came through everything he did,’’ said The Edge, a close friend.

"He had a heart as big as a mountain and he was a real romantic soul. He will be missed by all who loved his music and even more by those lucky enough to know him personally.’’

His family said they had been touched by the many messages of sympathy received from musicians, friends and fans.

A statement from his parents, Anne and Stuart, said: ‘‘Stuart was our beloved son. To say we are devastated can’t described how we feel.

"It is impossible to find the words to express this terrible sense of loss. We pray that he has found the peace that he was looking for.’’

Arrangements were being made with Sir Richard Branson for Virgin Airlines to fly the musician’s body home to Scotland.

There are also plans for a memorial service to celebrate the lead singer’s life at the ground of his favourite football team, Dunfermline FC.

Adamson’s body was discovered in the Plaza Hotel in Honolulu on Sunday, several weeks after he was reported missing from his home in Nashville, Tennessee, by his estranged wife.

At the family’s request, Adamson’s funeral will be a private service for his close relatives and bandmates.

Big Country had a string of hits in the 1980s, and eight successful albums.

In 1986, Adamson told how he had suffered a nervous breakdown six years before and was on the verge of another due to stress and overwork.

Adamson had been battling against alcohol addiction for many years and had been due to appear in court in the US next March charged with drink-driving.