Music legend dies days aged 70 days after telling fans a secret
Eurovision Song Contest star and Black Lace’s longest-standing band member Colin Gibb has died aged 70 just days after sharing his plans of retirement with fans
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Colin Gibb has died at the age of 70.
The musician was known for being the longest-standing member of band Black Lace, famed for their tunes such as Do the Conga and Agadoo.
They became a household name after finishing seventh place for the United Kingdom at the 1979 Eurovision Song Contest with their track, Mary Ann.
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Black Lace got the world dancing in the 1980s with their long list of cheesy records including Superman, Hokey Cokey, Wig-Wam Bam and I Am the Music Man. However, it was Agadoo that gave the band their biggest success with the catchy party tune landing the number two spot in the UK charts.
Despite their many line-up changes over the decades, Gibb – born Colin Routh – stuck with the band for decades. He announced his retirement on Facebook just days before his death. He wrote: “All good things must come to an end.”
On Sunday (June 2) Gibb’s heartbroken wife Sue Kelly told fans her “dearest husband” had died in the afternoon. She said: “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.”
Gibb’s former bandmate Dene Michael, Black Lace’s lead singer from 1987 to 1991, said he was “sad” to hear of the musician’s passing. He wrote on social media : “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.”
On Sunday, a message was posted on Black Lace’s Facebook page saying: “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.
“We’d like to send his family and friends all our love and support at this extremely difficult time.” Gibb had announced his retirement on May 13 – telling fans he would be playing one final show that week as he thanked them for their support over the years.
He wrote: “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.”
