Eurovision star and Black Lace singer Colin Gibb dies aged 70 after career announcement

Eurovision and Black Lace star Colin Gibb has died at the age of 70, just days after he announced his retirement from the group.

By Abbie Bray, Deputy Showbiz Editor

His bandmates also paid tribute to him on social media

His bandmates also paid tribute to him on social media (Image: Popperfoto via Getty Images)

Eurovision and Black Lace icon Colin Gibb has died at the age of 70, leaving fans and loved ones in a state of shock as his wife Sue Kelly announced the heart-wrenching news.

In an emotional statement, she expressed her profound loss: "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."

She poignantly added, "As we used to say, always love you forever."

Dene Michael, Colin's fellow Black Lace bandmate, joined in mourning, posting: "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."

The official Facebook page for Black Lace also commemorated Colin's legacy: "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."

Eurovision and Black Lace star Colin Gibb dies as heartbroken wife pays tribute

Gibb's wife Sue Selly told fans of his death on Sunday (Image: Facebook)

The tribute continued, offering condolences to his family and friends: "We'd like to send his family and friends all our love and support at this extremely difficult time."

Colin Gibb had just recently informed his followers about his retirement, stating, "All good things must come to an end."

He had planned to perform one last show before retiring on May 13.

He said: "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."

The renowned band Black Lace was most famed for their seventh-place finish for the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest of 1979 with their soulful song, Mary Ann. Their repertoire includes chart-hitting songs like Superman, Hokey Cokey, Wig-Wam Bam and I Am The Music Man.

However, their tune Agadoo claimed their greatest success, hitting the number two spot in the country's music charts.

Despite numerous changes to their line-up, Colin remained the longest-serving member until his retirement in May. During the 40th anniversary of Black Lace in 2015, Colin partnered with guitarist and singer Gordon King to give mesmerising live performances.

His farewell performance took place at the San Eugenio Villa Adeje Beach Hotel in sunny Spain.

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