Colin Gibb, the longest-serving member of the pop band Black Lace, has passed away at the age of 70.
Black Lace gained fame with their 1984 novelty hit “Agadoo,” which climbed to number two on the UK charts. The band also represented the UK at the 1979 Eurovision Song Contest, securing seventh place with “Mary Ann.”
Gibb’s bandmate, Dene Michael, confirmed the news to the BBC, calling it “awful.” Michael also paid tribute on Twitter, sharing a photo of himself with Gibb and writing, “Rest in peace my friend, God bless you x.”
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Gibb’s wife, Sue Kelly, expressed her grief in a Facebook post, describing it as “heartbreaking” to inform fans of her “dearest husband’s” passing. She wrote, “I love you Colin, [we] 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 was also known for hits like “Do the Conga,” “Superman,” “Hokey Cokey,” “Wig-Wam Bam,” and “I Am the Music Man,” but “Agadoo” was their most iconic song, selling over a million copies worldwide and becoming a staple at school discos and wedding parties. The band’s lineup changed frequently, and Gibb occasionally took breaks from performing.
![Pop band Black Lace's longest-serving member, Colin Gibb, passes at 70. Known for the 1984 hit "Agadoo," Gibb leaves a legacy of iconic songs and heartfelt tributes from loved ones.](https://needtoknow.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Black-Lace-star-Colin-Gibb-passes-away-at-70-2.jpg)
However, he spent more time with the band than any other member, his tenure spanning several decades.
A statement from the group’s management, Now Music, conveyed to the PA news agency said, “Unfortunately, Colin passed away unexpectedly yesterday afternoon. He’d recently announced his departure from the entertainment industry and was looking forward to enjoying his retirement with his wife Susan. We are all deeply shocked and saddened by the news.
Colin was the founder member of Black Lace, together with Alan Barton, and they had huge hits through the 80s. Colin was a great friend and will be sadly missed.”
Last month, Gibb announced his retirement plans on Facebook, telling fans, “All good things must come to an end.” He revealed his final show would be that week at a beach hotel in Tenerife. He thanked fans for their support over the years and cherished the thousands of friends he had met since the band’s inception in 1975.
The official Black Lace account echoed the sentiment, stating that Gibb would be “truly missed by everyone who knew him.”