Brotherhood of Man has confirmed the death of singer Martin Lee at the age of 77.
The British pop group achieved huge success in the 1970s, including a win at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1976.
Lee was an integral part of the band, providing the vocals on several hits including Kiss Me Kiss Your Baby, Save Your Kisses for Me, and Angelo.
In a statement confirming Lee’s death, the band wrote: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our great friend and colleague Brotherhood of Man’s Martin Lee who slipped peacefully away on the evening of Sunday 29th September 2024 from heart failure after a short illness.
“Martin was 77. Martin sang lead vocals on the 1976 Eurovision Winner ‘Save your kisses for me’ which was number 1 in 31 countries and the guinness book biggest selling eurovision single of all time plus the biggest winner by percentage of vote.
“He was not only a wonderful singer but also co-wrote with band mate Lee Sheriden most of the Brotherhood of Man hits including the 3 number one records.
“Other awards include 26 Platinum, Gold & Silver Discs, 3 Ivor Novello awards and an ASCAP Shield for writing a top 10 hit in the United States.
“He will be sadly missed by his fellow band members Nicky Stevens, Lee Sheriden and especially Sandra Stevens to whom he had been married for 45 happy years.
“Over the past 50 years the four of us have toured the world together in harmony and have so many happy memories but now we are in total shock and cannot imagine a world without Martin Lee. R.I.P.”
The heartfelt statement prompted floods of tributes from fans on the band’s Facebook page.
One fan penned: “Much love to Sandra and condolences to the brotherhood, lucky to see them playing a few gigs. Always fun. The music will be his lasting memory xx.”
A second similarly wrote: “Oh no, such sad news….very upset to see this.”
A third paid tribute: “So sorry to hear this news. I have Brotherhood of man songs on vinyl.. May He rest In Peace. Sympathy to his family and the band.”
“So desperately sorry,” a fourth weighed in. “My love for Eurovision was ignited by my very first glimpse at a Eurovision Song Contest, and that moment was when I heard Kisses For Me for the first time.
“You were such an important part of my childhood and remain so to this day. Huge condolences to you all.”
And a fifth commented: “So sorry to hear this, love the band and the music, pleased to have met them at St Neots Riverside Festival in the seventies. RIP.” (sic)
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Jeremy Clarkson, 64, falls victim to fake news as he clears up ‘look after our own’ quote confusionSir Tom Jones, 84, issues heartbreaking tribute after death of pal and fellow musicianBBC Only Connect fans plead with Victoria Coren Mitchell to stop ‘ridiculous’ habit
Lee joined four-piece group Brotherhood of Man having already launched a career as a solo artist.
He also played in the Johnny Howard Band at the beginning of his career before finding success with the Eurovision-winning act.
