Love Affair lead singer Steve Ellis dead aged 76: Pop star behind hit track Everlasting Love passes away 'after complications from a chronic illness'
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Steve Ellis, the lead singer of Love Affair, has passed away aged 76.
The news was confirmed via a statement on the singer's Facebook page, which said that Ellis died 'after complications from a chronic illness'.
'Dear Friends, It's with a heavy heart that we share the news of Steve's passing,' the statement shared on Sunday read.
'After complications from a chronic illness, Steve peacefully left the world on the evening of October 30, 2026, in the presence of his loved ones.'
'Please feel free to leave your thoughts, memories, or condolences for the family in the comments below. Everlasting Love.'
Ellis was the frontman of the London-based pop group Love Affair, which formed in the late 1960s.
Steve Ellis, the lead singer of Love Affair, has passed away aged 76. The news was confirmed via a statement on the singer's Facebook page, which said that Ellis died 'after complications from a chronic illness' (pictured in 1968)
Ellis was the frontman of the London-based pop group Love Affair, which formed in the late 1960s. (L-R) Drummer Maurice Bacon, Ellis, bassist Mick Jackson keyboardist Lynton Guest and guitar player Rex Brayley pictured in 1968
They released their first singles in 1967, including chart topper Everlasting Love which knocked The Beatles' Hello Goodbye from the number one spot.
Ellis was just 17-years-old when he recorded the hit song.
Following Everlasting Love's success the band had four further top 20 hits across the next two years - Rainbow Valley, A Day Without Love, One Road and Bringing on Back the Good Times.
After growing frustrated with being labelled as a pop band, the group experimented with a new sound which flopped in the charts. Ellis felt the band had run its course and he quit in December 1969 for a solo career.
Born in Edgware, Ellis's first band as a 15-year-old was The Clifton Bystanders before he formed the Soul Survivors, whose name was later changed to Love Affair.
After leaving Love Affair Ellis had some chart success with his band Ellis and later the rock band Widowmaker, releasing their debut studio album in 1976.
Blues guitarist and friend Norman Beaker shared a tribute on Facebook, praising Ellis as a 'legend' of the UK's mod movement.
'He was a good friend and a great voice. I recently performed a track on his new album, one of my songs "She heals my soul". He was a legend with the mod movement, a great character, he will be sadly missed,' wrote Beaker.
Record producer David Courtney posted: 'I am sad to announce the passing of my long time friend Steve Ellis who left us [on Saturday]. My thoughts are with Val and the family'.
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