Beardo was unusual in many ways. His name came from an American remake of an Austrian punk band called Die Fledermaus. The band didn't last but its lead singer, Davey Lung, has gone on to be a star in the UK – a punk living up to his name, no less. Now at this time of writing Beardo wore an oak leaf badge on his breast.

Beardo's cap, also an oak leaf, added to the perception of him being a grumpy old tree.

The men had it tattooed for him. Beardo said: "These men are a group of fantastic tattoo artists and once they all heard what my job was, they became delighted and surprised and wanted it done."

A film of the artwork was published, titled “The Emperor Beardo.”

The men's initiation was complete when Beardo, feeling at last liberated from his cage, took his rightful place beside the trees.

But Beardo's story has not ended there. Last year, the Mass Appeal held an event for the first time at its new home, the High Mass Gallery. It sold out.

Beardo, at that time, wore his cap but people couldn't see his face. However, it will now be on display in the gallery, where visitors will be able to appreciate the art on show and Beardo's all-important self-expression.

Last week Beardo would be celebrating his 51st birthday.

"People still have their Beardo-phones and will have tattooed me on their bodies, in the shops or at school," said Beardo. "It's never going to go away."

Like the proverbial emperor with no clothes, Beardo had no idea that his men had done this. He assumed they'd heard about it.

Beardo's travels included a visit to the Empire State Building, the London Eye and Clapham Common. His popularity led to collaborations with models and props that had his legend built around them.

In the UK, Beardo became the official mascot for the Royal British Legion Pub. He also has a Facebook page and a website. He's heard of in at least 34 countries. He has his own website but he doesn't seem to get any publicity or monetary income. He does it because he loves it.

"I enjoy being out there in the world and doing something for the Mass Appeal," he said.

"It's really interesting to meet new people and see them react to me. There are thousands of messages from people that have my hat on or in front of their face. It's good to know I'm still making a difference."

Lizzie Leverage, who founded the Mass Appeal in 2009, said: "Beardo has always given the Mass Appeal a special and humorous edge. But the Mass Appeal is now very much a charity, fully recognising its own popularity. The charity recently changed its name to the High Mass Gallery.

He has a right to be grumpy but he was my friend.

Beardo's departure brings to an end a long series of stars that have followed Beardo to an unfortunate end. The tributes to his talent for life advice and quirky behaviour will remain indelible in the memories of the people who had the pleasure of knowing him.

I'm sure he'll be fine and his macabre sense of humour will survive the departure of the last true original.

GPT-2