Tributes have been paid to chart-topping pop star Steve Ellis who lived in Portslade and who has died at the age of 76.
Ellis, lead singer of the Love Affair, became famous for his version of Everlasting Love, recorded when he was just 17 and which became a number one hit in early 1968.
Ellis’s death was announced on his Facebook page. The post said: “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 (Friday) 30 October 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 formed other bands including Widowmaker and collaborated with the likes of the former Who frontman Roger Daltrey and Paul Weller, whose bands have included the Jam and the Style Council.
Weller posted: “Our dear mate Stevie Ellis passed on last week. God bless ya Stevie safe travels everlasting love for sure.”
Blues musician Norman Beaker wrote 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.”
Festivals firm BCM Entertainments said that Ellis “always brought something special to our events”.
The company posted on Facebook: “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.
“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.”
Ellis was born in Edgware, London, in 1950. At 15, he formed his first band, Soul Survivors, which became the Love Affair.
The band released their first two singles in 1967 including Everlasting Love, which had originally been recorded by Robert Knight and gave the band a number one hit in the UK charts.
Other notable Love Affair songs included A Day Without Love, Rainbow Valley and Bringing on Back the Good Times.
Ellis left the band in 1969 to pursue a solo career but was also part of other bands including Widowmaker and Ellis.
He made his home in the Brighton and Hove area, living in Drove Crescent, Portslade, for many years.
His latest single Sunset, taken from his new album Baby Faced Assassin, was number six in the Heritage Chart.
