Brotherhood of Man star Martin Lee, who won the Eurovision Song Contest for the UK in 1976, has died aged 77.
The band first formed in 1969 and Martin joined them three years later, singing lead vocals on their hit Save Your Kisses For Me.
The band announced the news of Martin’s death with a Facebook post on Tuesday.
It said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our great friend and colleague Martin Lee of the Brotherhood of Man, who passed away peacefully on the evening of Sunday, September 29, 2024 due to heart failure after a brief illness. Martin was 77 years old. .
‘Martin sang lead vocals on the 1976 Eurovision winner ‘Save Your Kisses for Me’, which was No. 1 in 31 countries and the Guinness Book’s best-selling Eurovision single of all time, as well as the biggest winner by percentage of votes.
Brotherhood of Man star Martin Lee, who won the Eurovision Song Contest for the UK in 1976, has died aged 77 (pictured in 2019)
The band first formed in 1969 and Martin (far right) joined them three years later, singing lead vocals on their hit Save Your Kisses For Me.
The band announced the news of Martin’s death with a Facebook post on Tuesday.
‘Not only was he a wonderful singer, but he also co-wrote with his bandmate Lee Sheriden most of the Brotherhood of Man’s hits, including all 3 of their number one albums.
‘Other awards include 26 Platinum, Gold and Silver Records, 3 Ivor Novello Awards and an ASCAP Shield for writing a top 10 hit in the United States.’
They added: “He will be sadly missed by his bandmates Nicky Stevens, Lee Sheriden and especially Sandra Stevens, to whom he was married for 45 happy years.”
“For the past 50 years, the four of us have traveled the world together in harmony and have many happy memories, but now we are in total shock and cannot imagine a world without Martin Lee. BREAKUP’
Their Eurovision success topped the chart with a staggering 164 points, more than 70 points ahead of second-placed Switzerland.
Lee was married to his bandmate Sandra Stevens, whom he began dating shortly after she joined the group in 1973.
In addition to singing and playing guitar, he also co-wrote several of the band’s songs with Lee Sheriden.
Before joining the band, Martin also released a solo single called Cry Jose and was part of the Johnny Howard Band.
The band’s statement read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our great friend and colleague Martin Lee of Brotherhood of Man, who peacefully escaped on the night of Sunday 29 September 2024.”
They added: “He will be sadly missed by his bandmates Nicky Stevens, Lee Sheriden and especially Sandra Stevens, to whom he was married for 45 happy years.”
The group broke up for a few years in the 1980s, but reunited for a television show in 1985 and have stayed in touch ever since.
The band said they are “in total shock” following Martin’s death.
They have reunited several times since their peak period of success and continued to perform together, but officially retired from touring in 2022.
The singer was born Martin Barnes on November 26, 1946 in Purley, London and spent five of his youth living in Australia.
Before the Eurovision competition, which took place in The Hague, Brotherhood Of Man initially had success with their single United We Stand, which was also the name of their debut album.
It became a top 20 hit in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and the United States.
They released a few more hit singles, including Oh Boy (The Mood I’m In) and Angelo, as well as a second album called B for Brotherhood.
The group broke up for a few years in the 1980s, but reunited for a television show in 1985 and have stayed in touch ever since.
They have reunited several times since their peak period of success and continued to perform together, but officially retired from touring in 2022.
Tributes have been pouring in for the singer, and fans have shared their condolences on X, writing:
‘Very sad to hear of the passing of Martin Lee from Brotherhood of Man. Save all Your Kisses for Me was a rare Eurovision winner in the UK and a milestone in my childhood. I remember seeing him and his wife in my local Waitrose once. #MartinLee #BrotherhoodofMan.’
In addition to singing and playing guitar, he also co-wrote several of the band’s songs with Lee Sheriden.
Tributes have been pouring in for the singer, with fans sharing their condolences on X.
‘Sad news. I loved them when I was little. RIP Martin Lee.’
‘Rest in peace Martin. They were much more than a single blow!’
‘Horrible to read that Brotherhood of Man singer Martin Lee has died. Winning Eurovision in 1976 with his cheeky winks and smile, he will be missed. A UK cultural icon. #breakage.’
‘The world has a little less talent now. RIP Martin Lee from The Brotherhood of Man.’
Others took to the comments on the band’s Facebook post to add: “Oh no, what sad news… I’m so sad to see this.”
‘Much love to Sandra and my deepest condolences to the brotherhood, lucky to see them play at some concerts. Always fun. Music will be his lasting memory.’
‘I am very sorry to hear this news. I have Brotherhood of Man songs on vinyl. May he rest in peace. Our deepest condolences to his family and the band.’