Tributes are being paid to Steve Ellis, the frontman of 1960s pop group Love Affair, who has passed away at the age of 76.
The London-based band reached number 1 in the UK charts with their cover of Everlasting Love.
A statement confirming the sad news read: "Dear Friends, It's with a heavy heart that we share the news of Steve's passing.
"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."
Paul Weller – best known as the guitarist and principal singer and songwriter of The Jam – paid tribute to his friend.
In a post shared on Facebook, he wrote: "Our dear mate Stevie Ellis passed on last week. God bless ya Stevie safe travels everlasting love for sure."
© Getty ImagesBlues musician Norman Beaker also paid tribute, writing on social media: "Very sad to have learned that Steve Ellis singer with Love Affair on hits like Everlasting Love and many others has passed away.
"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."
BCM Entertainments Ltd, a Kent-based festival and music consultants, also remembered the singer on social media, saying he "always brought something special to our events".
"Steve was a familiar and much-loved face at many BCM Festivals events over the years, where he entertained our audiences with his incredible voice, timeless songs and wonderful performances," they said.
"His unforgettable music, provided the soundtrack to so many memories, and his performances always brought something special to our events.
"On behalf of everyone at BCM Festivals, we would like to send our heartfelt condolences to Steve’s family, friends, fellow musicians and all those who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him.
"Thank you for the music, the memories and the wonderful moments you shared with us. Rest in peace, Steve. You will be sadly missed."
© Getty ImagesSteve was just 15 when he formed his first band, Soul Survivors. It then formed into Love Affair, whose line-up also included Rex Brayley, Mick Jackson, Lynton Guest and Maurice Bacon.
In early 1967, the band released their first two singles, including Everlasting Love, which had originally been recorded by Robert Knight. It saw the band hit number one on the UK singles chart.
It has since gone on to feature in films including Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason and Kenneth Branagh’s Belfast, sung in the film by actor Jamie Dornan.
Other notable Love Affair songs included A Day Without Love, Rainbow Valley and Bringing On Back The Good Times.
Steve left the band in 1969 to pursue a solo career but was also part of other bands including Widowmaker and Ellis.
