TRIBUTES are flowing for popular Perth sword swallowing performer Matty Blade, who has died

Blade, whose real name was Matthew Henshaw, was a familiar sight on the streets of Perth and Fremantle, where he would thrill crowds with his chainsaw juggling, escapology, sword balancing and black comedy.

He made the 2002 Guinness Book of World Records for his ability to swallow 14 swords while he balanced atop a three-metre pole.

Blade’s sister, Lily Gower, confirmed the tragic news on Blade’s Facebook page yesterday.

“It is with great sadness that I have to confirm that my brother Matt, aka Matty Blade passed away yesterday the 25th of March 2014. Our family sends our deepest sympathies to all who knew and loved him. X,” Ms Gower wrote

Tributes have flooded Blade’s Facebook page.

Kelly Cook, the director of circus cabaret show Twisted Vaudeville Circus, was among those who honoured the popular performer.

“Matty Blade, thank you for gracing our stage and our lives at The Twisted Vaudeville Circus. You are a sweet guy, so soft spoken and kind hearted — a complete contradiction to your dark stage persona. We will miss you not only as a great performer but as a great friend.

“So sad that we won’t get to see you again. If this is an April fools I will be so glad, as no one is ready to let you go. I wish I had have called you for a chat, and helped you break through your dark clouds.

“Beyond Blue is our circus charity and we will surely dedicate a show in your honour friend. I hope you’re sharing the stage with us in spirit,” Ms Cook wrote.

Blade was a regular performer at Fremantle Prison’s Torchlight Tours, where staff and management said they were greatly saddened by the loss of their colleague

“He will be missed and our thoughts are with his partner and family at this time,” the prison’s Marketing and Events Manager Amberlee Hong said.

One of Blade’s final performances was for Medieval Fayre at the Perth Supreme Court Gardens on Saturday.

He posted a Facebook photo of himself balancing on a tightrope at the fayre with the caption: “I look so lonely in the sky”.

A testament to his reach, Blade’s passing has prompted sentiments from many who didn’t know him personally, including long-time fan, Seolfer Wulf.

“Wow, I didn’t personally know Matt but I remember seeing his show in the city when I was just a kid and thought how amazing he was and loved how he poked fun at the passing people I was lucky enough when I had my son I was able to show him this great performer on the streets too it felt like I passed on a great memory of mine to my child and he loved the performance to. I am so shocked to hear his passing and so very sad that such a wonderful man has left us. RIP ‘pirate dude who swallowed the swords’,” Ms Wulf wrote.

Anyone experiencing emotional difficulties can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.