UK Eurovision and Brotherhood of Man singer Martin Lee has died at the age of 77.
The band announced Martin’s death on Tuesday, confirming he passed away from a short illness. The musician won the competition with the pop group in 1976 with their song Save Your Kisses For Me, which became a popular hit across the world.
The statement read: “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, September 29, 2024, from heart failure after a short illness. Martin was 77.”
The Brotherhood of Man was started in 1969. Martin, who was born Martin Barnes, joined the group three years later. They then went on to win the Eurovision Song Contest in 1976 in The Hague, in the Netherlands, reports the Mirror.
The winning song, Save Your Kisses For Me, went on to become the biggest selling hit in 1976, championing over other huge hits including ABBA’s infamous Dancing Queen and Elton John’s Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.
The now iconic song topped the table with 164 points, more than 70 points ahead of second-placed Switzerland. Save Your Kisses For Me topped the UK singles chart in the same year, and was also number one in more than 30 different countries. The record record sold six million copies in total.
Martin was brought into the group as their main vocalist and guitarist along with Lee Sheriden, Sandra Stevens, and Nicky Stevens
Following the news of Martin’s untimely death, tributes have poured in for the late star. On X, formerly known as Twitter, fans have paid their respects to the Eurovision star.
One gushed: “Awful to read that Martin Lee, lead singer of Brotherhood of Man, has died. Winning Eurovision in 1976 with his cheeky winks and smile, he will be missed. A UK cultural icon. #rip.”
Another has echoed: “The world is a little bit less talented now. RIP Martin Lee from Brotherhood of Man.” While another added: “Sad to read about the passing of Martin Lee of Brotherhood of Man. I loved Eurovision and their winning song, Save Your Kisses For Me, was the first record I ever bought. RIP Martin.”
Meanwhile, someone else wrote: “On the news of Martin Lee’s passing, as co-song writer and member of Brotherhood of Man – let’s just remember that this, to this day – is still the most commercially successful Eurovision winner of all time.”
Prior to joining Brotherhood Of Man, Lee had already released a solo single called Cry Jose, and had also played in the Johnny Howard Band. The singer was born on November 26, 1946, in Purley, London. He spent five years of his childhood living in Australia and his love of music was very clear from a young age.
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