The Real Thing star Eddy Amoo has died aged 74.
His friend Simon Sheridan, who was currently making a documentary on the bad, said Amoo had passed away suddenly in Australia, and paid tribute to the star calling him an ‘inspirational character’.
The legendary Merseyside singer was part of 1970s band The Real Thing and was well-known for hits such as You To Me Are Everything, and Can’t Get By Without You.
He played alongside his brother Chris Amoo, Dave Smith and Ray Lake who have since paid tribute to their friend.
Earlier today Chris and Dave released a statement (via Liverpool Echo) following the news of Eddy’s death.
They said: ‘It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our brother and inspiration, Eddy Amoo, who passed away on February 23, age 74.
‘Eddy was a showman, a songwriter, and a legend in British music with Liverpudlian band The Real Thing.
‘The band formed in the 1970s and have been performing and touring ever since.
‘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, as well as his energetic performances and political commentary with songs such as Children of the Ghetto.’
They added: ‘Eddy 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.’
The band were set to tour the UK this year from April and have confirmed on Twitter that this will go ahead as planned.
BREAKING: Chris and Dave will continue The Real Thing's 2018 tour from 7 April. Chris said "The fans' support makes us realise how much love there is for The Real Thing, so we're doing this for them, and for Eddy, whose wish it would be for us to still feel the force." #eddyamoopic.twitter.com/u30KTzSxLS
— The Real Thing (@EddyChrisDave) February 23, 2018
In a tweet they wrote: ‘Chris and Dave will continue The Real Thing’s 2018 tour from 7 April. Chris said “The fans’ support makes us realise how much love there is for The Real Thing, so we’re doing this for them, and for Eddy, whose wish it would be for us to still feel the force.’
Back in the 1970s, the group were branded as ‘the black Beatles’ as they quickly became Britain’s biggest-selling black pop act ever.
Amoo started his career leading the a capella group The Chants, who were represented by The Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein, and John Lennon was said to have championed the band.
After they split, the soul singer joined his younger brother Chris in The Real Thing.
Artists such as Philip Bailey and Mary J Blige have since covered the band’s hits including their track Children of the Ghetto.
Tributes have been pouring in for the singer with Simon Sheridand taking to Twitter saying: ‘Today I lost my good friend #EddyAmoo, the founding father of #TheRealThing. He was one of the most youthful 73-year-olds I’ve ever known.
‘A #Liverpool legend and a pioneer of British black music. I will miss him very much. #RIPEddyAmoo#YouToMeAreEverything.’
And Manchester legend Dave Haslam also paid tribute.
He said: ‘Very sad to hear of the death of Eddy Amoo, who died earlier today, age 74. I adored the Real Thing and in 2002 interviewed him. He created masterpieces; a Toxteth legend and a great guy ~ RIP.’
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