TRIBUTES have been paid to a Bradford hitmaker who has died.

Black Lace singer Colin Gibb, best known for the novelty hit Agadoo, has been remembered as "a great friend" after his death at the age of 70.

The group first found fame in 1979 when they competed in the Eurovision Song Contest with their song Mary Ann, coming seventh.

They also enjoyed a novelty hit with Do The Conga in 1989, but it is 1984's Agadoo that was their biggest hit and a staple of weddings, parties, and discos for many years.

A statement from the group's management NOW Music 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."

The band underwent several line-up changes over the years.

Mr Gibb occasionally took breaks from performing with the group but always returned to his pineapple-print shirt.

Fellow band member Mr Barton died in 1995.

The group's other hits were Superman, Hokey Cokey, I Am The Music Man, and Wig-Wam Bam.

Mr Gibb continued to play live with Black Lace until recently and their management company billed them as "the UK's number one party band", saying they are "as popular as ever".

On Facebook, Mr Gibb's wife Sue Kelly described the news of his death as "heart-breaking". 

She added: "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."

A statement on the official Black Lace Facebook fan page said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our great friend Colin Gibb.

"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."

Former Black Lace singer Dene Michael wrote on X that he was "so sad" about the news.