Black Lace singer Colin Gibb dies at the age of 70

The trio was best known for their 1984 novelty hit, Agadoo, which peaked at number two in the United Kingdom.

Black Lace also represented the United Kingdom in the 1979 Eurovision Song Contest, when they finished eighth with the song Mary Ann. Dene Michael, Gibb's bandmate, confirmed his death to the BBC, calling it "awful news".

Michael also paid tribute on Twitter with a photo of himself and Gibb, adding, "Rest in peace, my friend, God bless you. x." In a Facebook message, Gibb's wife Sue Kelly said it was "heartbreaking" to inform followers that her "dearest husband" had gone.

"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's other hits included Do the Conga, Superman, Hokey Cokey, Wig-Wam Bam, and I Am the Music Man. But Agadoo was their biggest hit, selling over a million copies worldwide and becoming a standard at school discos and weddings.

The band's lineup changed multiple times throughout the years, and Gibb took occasional absences from performing with the ensemble. However, Gibb spent more time in the band than any other member, with his tenure lasting several decades.

Last month, Gibb wrote on Facebook of his plans to retire, telling fans: "All good things must come to an end."

He said his final show would be that same week, at a beach hotel in Tenerife.

"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," he said.

The official Black Lace account said Gibb would be "truly missed by everyone who knew him".