Pop legend dead just days after announcing retirement

A founding member of a pop act who scored a global hit and competed in Eurovision has died just days after announcing his retirement.

Colin Gibb from Black Lace has died.

Novelty song legend Colin Gibb has died at the age of 70.

The musician was best known as the longest-standing member of Black Lace – famed for their tunes such as the Aussie hit Agadoo and Do the Conga.

Black Lace became a household name after finishing seventh for the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1979 with their song, Mary Ann.

They got Britain dancing in the 1980s with a series of cheesy records including Superman, Hokey Cokey, Wig-Wam Bam and I Am the Music Man.

But it was Agadoo that gave the band their greatest success, with the track hitting the number two spot on the charts in the UK and 16 in Australia.

Gibb (right) was the group's longest-serving member.

Despite numerous line-up changes over the years, Gibb – born Colin Routh – stuck with the band for decades.

He announced his retirement just days ago on Facebook, saying: “All good things must come to an end.”

On Sunday, 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.

Gibb's wife Sue Kelly told fans of his death on Sunday.

“As we used to say, always love you forever.”

Meanwhile, Gibb’s former bandmate Dene Michael – who took the mic as Black Lace’s lead singer from 1987 to 1991 – said he was “sad” to hear of the musician’s passing.

He wrote: “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, Black Lace’s Facebook page said: “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.

Gibb had only announced his retirement from music on May 13.

“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.”

This story originally appeared on The Sun and is republished here with permission.