The Real Thing singer Eddy Amoo has died suddenly at the age of 74.
The Liverpool-born musician passed away earlier today, friends said.
In a statement, his fellow bandmates wrote: 'It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our brother and inspiration, Eddy Amoo, who passed away on 23rd February, age 74.
'Eddy was a showman, a songwriter, and a legend in British music with Liverpudlian band The Real Thing.'
Amoo died in Australia. The cause of death has not been made public.
He shot to fame in his band The Real Thing, where he performed alongside his brother Chris Amoo and friend Dave Smith. The group formed in the 1970s and have been performing since.
This year the group had planned to perform in Bournemouth in April and Manchester later this year.
Eddy will be remembered for The Real Thing's hit singles You To Me Are Everything, Feel the Force, and Can't Get By Without You.
His friends said he leaves behind a large and loving family, a community he adored in Toxteth, Liverpool and his beloved music and band, The Real Thing.
Eddy will long be remembered as a tour de force in British music and he will be sorely missed.'
Back in the 1970s, the national press dubbed local boys Eddy Amoo, Chris Amoo, Dave Smith, and Ray Lake 'The Black Beatles'.