Hazell Dean has announced her retirement.
The singer, who shot to fame almost 10 years into her recording career when a re-release of her Hi-NRG anthem Searchin’ (I Gotta Find a Man) peaked at No. 6 in the UK Singles Chart in 1984, confirmed the news live on stage over the weekend.
Speaking during her set at Hastings Pride, Hazell said: “I do have something to tell you. The time has come – I am going to retire this year.”
Alongside footage from the event, Hazell shared on social media: “So… tonight at Hastings Pride 21 after 38 years of events all over the world my last ever Pride performance.
“Catch me while you can… only 3 shows to go.”
Following her initial success in the early ‘80s, Hazell hit the studio with Stock Aitken Waterman to record Whatever I Do (Wherever I Go), giving the production trio – and Hazell herself – their first UK Top 5 hit.
It featured on the album ‘Heart First’, alongside follow-up singles Back In My Arms (Once Again) and No Fool (For Love).
Four years later, Hazell returned with ‘Always’, featuring the massive single Who’s Leaving Who and Top 40 hits Maybe (We Should Call It A Day) and Turn It Into Love.
She went on to score hits including Love Pains, Better Off Without You and a cover of ABBA classic The Winner Takes It All, and revived her recording career in the ‘10s with come back album ‘In The Name Of…’
Hazell released her final studio album ‘Nightlife’ in 2015.
Despite winding down her career on stage, the Jealous Love hitmaker isn’t giving up music completely and has announced a new album.
‘The Dean & Ware Collection Vol. 1’ is due September 24, with further details and pre-order links to be announced imminently.
