Colin Gibb, who scored classic hits like Agadoo and Do The Conga with Black Lace, has died.
The performer’s wife, Sue Kelly, confirmed the news in a post on Facebook on Sunday (June 2), writing: “It is with heartbreaking news that I am letting you all know my dearest husband Colin Gibb died this afternoon.
“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.”
His former bandmate, Dene Michael, also paid tribute, adding: “So sad to hear the passing of my singing partner with Black Lace RIP my friend Colin Gibb. God Bless.”
“Colin was one of the founder members of Black Lace, together with Alan Barton, and will be truly missed by everyone who knew him,” added a post on the official Black Lace Facebook page. “We’d like to send his family and friends all our love and support at this extremely difficult time.”
The group finished in seventh place at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1979 before the original band split in 1981, after which Gibb and Barton kept the name as a two-piece.
He announced his retirement earlier this month, announcing one final show in Tenerife and adding: “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.”