Steve Ellis, lead singer of British pop band Love Affair, has died at 76. He died on October 30 after complications from a chronic illness, according to a statement shared on his Facebook page. His family said he passed peacefully in Brighton, England, surrounded by loved ones.
Love Affair are best known for their 1967 recording of “Everlasting Love,” a cover of Robert Knight’s song that reached No. 1 in the UK. The track did not chart in the United States, but later featured in the film American Psycho and in trailers for Belfast. Jamie Dornan performs it in the 2021 film.
The band also released UK singles including “She Smiled Sweetly,” “Rainbow Valley,” “A Day Without Love,” “One Road” and “Bringing on Back the Good Times.” The group’s recording of “Everlasting Love” drew attention in Britain when it emerged that session musicians had played the instrumental parts, while Ellis provided the lead vocals.
Ellis left Love Affair in 1969 to pursue a solo career and continued recording and performing for decades, sometimes with reconstituted versions of the band. Born Stephen John Ellis in Edgware, Middlesex, on April 7, 1950, he said in a Facebook post last year that ongoing health problems had led him to withdraw from a planned tour. He is survived by his wife, Val.
Sources: Deadline.