Black Lace star Colin Gibb dies aged 70, just weeks after announcing his retirement

3 June 2024, 11:15

BLACK LACE  UK pop duo about 1984 with Alan Barton at left and Colin Gibb right
BLACK LACE UK pop duo about 1984 with Alan Barton at left and Colin Gibb right. Picture: Alamy

By Mayer Nissim

"I love you Colin, spent 22 years living your agadoo dream."

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Black Lace star Colin Gibb has died at the age of 70.

Colin's wife Sue Kelly revealed on Facebook that her husband passed away yesterday.

"It is with heartbreaking news that I am letting you all know my dearest husband Colin Gibb died this 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.

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

Black Lace - Agadoo - TOTP - 1984

Colin Gibb joined the band that was about to become Black Lace in 1976, and the band had their breakthrough in 1979 when they came seventh in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1979.

They went on to conquer the 1980s with a run of novelty hits, including 'Agadoo', 'Superman', 'Hokey Cokey', 'Wig-Wam Bam' and' I Am the Music Man'.

"It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our great friend Colin Gibb," read a post on the official Black Lace Facebook page.

Black Lace - Superman

"Colin was one of the founder members of Black Lace, together with Alan Barton, and will be truly missed by everyone who knew him.

"We'd like to send his family and friends all our love and support at this extremely difficult time."

Colin Gibb had only announced his retirement on May 13, and played his final show three days later.

Well all good things must come to an end. I have decided to retire. My last show will be on Thursday at Villa Adeje...

Posted by Colin Gibb Black Lace on Monday, May 13, 2024

"Well all good things must come to an end," Gibb said in his last Facebook post.

"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."

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