Entertainment
Eurovision and Black Lace singer Colin Gibb dies aged 70-Josie Copson-Entertainment – Metro
His band reached number two with Agadoo.
Colin Gibb has died aged 70 (Picture: Fresco/Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Colin Gibb has died aged 70.
Gibb was part of Black Lace who are known for popular party songs Agadoo, Do the Conga, Superman, Hokey Cokey, Wig-Wam Bam and I Am the Music Man.
The group finished in seventh place for the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1979 hosted by Israel with their song, Mary Ann.
Despite numerous lineup changes, Gibb, born Colin Routh, remained in the band for decades.
Gibb’s wife Sue Kelly told fans he died on Sunday afternoon.
‘It is with heartbreaking news that I am letting you all know my dearest husband Colin Gibb died this afternoon,’ she wrote.
Colin Gibb with wife Sue Kelly (Picture: Facebook / Sue Kelly)
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‘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.’
Former bandmate Dene Michael wrote: ‘So sad to hear the passing of my singing partner with Black Lace RIP my friend Colin Gibb. God Bless.
Black Lace finished in seventh place (Picture: Fresco/Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
‘We had some great times together touring the world.’
After hits in the 80s including a UK number two with Agadoo, the band toured Europe, the Middle East, Australia, Canada and the US.
The group were parodied by the Spitting Image programme in the song The Chicken Song, which reached number one.
‘It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our great friend Colin Gibb,’ read Black Lace’s official Facebook page.
‘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.’
Black Lace performed Mary Ann at Eurovision in 1979
Gibb announced his retirement on May 13 and informed fans he would play one final show that week in Tenerife.
‘Well all good things must come to an end,’ he said.
‘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.’
Colin continued performing until May (Picture: Colin Gibb/Facebook)
Black Lace songs are often played at parties
Friend Steve White summarised the band’s impact: ‘Really sad to hear about the sudden passing today of my friend Colin Gibb of Black Lace, meaning he is now reunited with his bandmate Alan Barton.
‘When anyone has mocked this act over the years – and let’s be honest, many have – I have always flown the flag for Black Lace. There is not a DJ, holiday park or family entertainer anywhere that hasn’t made use of the hits they recorded at some point.
‘As Tommy Taylor once said; it doesn’t matter where you go in the world, once you’ve unpacked your case, you head to the bar and before you know it you’ll hear something of theirs.’
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