Black Lace and Eurovision singer Colin Gibb dies aged 70
Colin Gibb, the longest-standing member of pop band Black Lace, has died at the age of 70, his wife has confirmed.
Taking to social media, Sue Kelly told fans that her “dearest husband” died on Sunday, just days after revealing his retirement.
She wrote: "I love you Colin, spent 22 years living your Agadoo dream, we were due to retire to Spain on Thursday, you were so happy, so looking forward to our new life, now you're gone.
"As we used to say, always love you forever."
In a follow-up post, she thanked people for their support and shared that she and Gibb had both spoken about their desires and wishes for their funerals, before he unexpectedly passed.
She said he wanted his fans and friends to wear “s*** shirts” or the iconic floral pineapple T-shirts from Black Lace's hit song Agadoo and wanted people to donate to a cat charity.
Black Lace were known for novelty songs such as Do the Conga, Superman, Hokey Cokey, Wig-Wam Bam and I Am the Music Man.
Their biggest hit however was 1984’s Agadoo, which reached number two in the UK singles chart.
The track sold more than a million copies worldwide and went on to become a staple of school discos and wedding parties.
The group also represented the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1979, finishing in seventh place with the song Mary Ann.
The band's official Facebook page posted: "It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our great friend Colin Gibb. Colin was one of the founder members of Black Lace, together with Alan Barton, and will be truly missed by everyone who knew him.
Gibb’s Black Lace bandmate, Dene Michael, also paid his own tribute to the star online, writing: "So sad to hear the passing of my singing partner with Black Lace RIP my friend Colin Gibb. God Bless. We had some great times together touring the world.
Just days before his death, the musician had announced his retirement, telling fans: "All good things must come to an end."
On May 13, he said he intended to play one final show that week before bowing out for good, writing: "Well all good things must come to an end. I have decided to retire. My last show will be on Thursday at Villa Adeje Beach Hotel, in San Eugeneo. Thanks to all of you that have supported Black Lace over the years, and the thousands of friends I have met during that time since we set out in 1975."
