Ian Moss:
Steve Shy / Burke was one of those unsung heroes who improved the lives of many who encountered him by setting an example of selflessness, he always wanted to help others in a practical manner , he was as the saying goes generous to a fault , I often felt compelled to tell him to look after himself rather than devoting all his energy towards the wellbeing of others , of course that fell on deaf ears , Steve never changed , he was cheerful, self deprecating and very lovable, his great passion was music and in particular he loved nothing more than giving a leg up to young new artists who needed a break , although he is associated with the Punk Rock explosion of the 1970s his tastes always remained current and fluid as any regular at his magnificent Stroke Club nights would testify , the work his great friend Yvette puts into the Shytalk Legacy project is a testament to the enduring love and respect felt for a dear friend and a truly great Mancunian.
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Martin Ryan:
I was fortunate to be able to class the legend that is Steve Burke, or Steve Shy as he would become known, as a close and special friend.
Our paths would cross for the first time on a Wednesday night in April 1977 at the equally legendary Electric Circus in Collyhurst, Manchester. The occasion was a hometown gig by Mancunian band the Drones and also a chance to sell a few copies of my newly issued fanzine Ghast Up. As Pete Shelley had informed me there was already a fanzine in Manchester called Shy Talk.
The second issue of Shy Talk had just been issued and copies were visible around the audience. I think Steve’s initial greeting was, “I’m your rival” although as anyone who knew him would guess he said it through a warm smile as we proceeded to chat about the perks and obstacles in producing a fanzine with Steve insisting along the lines that we fanzine writers should help each other.
Steve would prove to be a loyal and true friend as our paths would cross regularly throughout the hectic months of 1977 that ensued. Whether that involved trying to persuade regulars at the Ranch to buy my fanzine or inviting me on a trip to the Vortex in London to see Buzzcocks open the venue. What always stood out was the regard he was held in by all the other people involved with the punk scene including Mark Smith and the then Fall manager Kay Carroll.
In later years Steve hardly seemed to alter character wise even following his stroke. He retained an enthusiasm for the music scene and through the Stoke Club he promoted local bands. At events he could always be relied upon to contribute from the audience and his famous wit was always there.
There is a cliched phrase, “No one had a bad word to say about him”. I think quite a few people would agree he was a rarity who fitted that descriptor.
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Here's a a fun tribute I was tagged in on Twitter/X
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Louder Than War obituary to Steve Shy