Martin Lee — lead singer of the UK’s Eurovision 1976 winning group Brotherhood of Man — has passed away at the age of 77.
The news was shared via a statement on the band’s Facebook page.
“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 29th September 2024 from heart failure after a short illness. Martin was 77.
“Martin sang lead vocals on the 1976 Eurovision Winner ‘Save your kisses for me’ which was number 1 in 31 countries and the Guinness book biggest selling Eurovision single of all time plus the biggest winner by percentage of vote.
“He was not only a wonderful singer but also co-wrote with band mate Lee Sheriden most of the Brotherhood of Man hits including the 3 number one records. Other awards include 26 Platinum, Gold & Silver Discs, 3 Ivor Novello awards and an ASCAP Shield for writing a top 10 hit in the United States.
“He will be sadly missed by his fellow band members Nicky Stevens, Lee Sheriden and especially Sandra Stevens to whom he had been married for 45 happy years.
“Over the past 50 years the four of us have toured the world together in harmony and have so many happy memories but now we are in total shock and cannot imagine a world without Martin Lee. R.I.P.”
Born Martin Barnes, on 26 November 1946, in Purley, London, he spent five of his early years in Australia. Following the death of his mother, Lee later returned to the UK with his father.
During his youth, Lee had a great interest in music and went on to release a solo single, titled “Cry José.”
But the star truly shot to fame when he joined Brotherhood of Man in 1972. The original line-up had just disbanded, but manager Tony Hiller invited Lee to join the second instalment of the group alongside Lee Sheriden and Nicky Stevens, plus later Sandra Stevens.
The rest, they say, is history. “Save Your Kisses for Me” shot to the top of the Eurovision 1976 scoreboard with 164 points, 17 points ahead of second-placed France. This gave the UK its third Eurovision trophy.
Brotherhood of Man went on to have two more UK No.1 hits — “Angelo” and “Figaro” — both of which were co-written by Martin Lee.
After decades of touring, the group retired from performing in October 2020.
The entire team at wiwibloggs sends our deepest condolences to Martin’s family and friends.
a true Eurovision legend and one of the greatest songs to ever win this contest
A hero of my younger years has passed. Thank you for your music that I was so fond of – and still listen to – and may you rest in peace.
His three-year-old would be 51 now. If she existed. Which she does not.
RIP
Save your kisses from heaven for us, Martin. Rest in peace and we will miss you.
Like John Curry and David Wilkie he was one of my heroes of 1976. Now they’re all gone.
Rest in peace Martin
A legend of his time. End of an era. My thoughts are with Sandra, Martin’s family, Nicky and Lee.