Martin Lee, the UK Eurovision winner and member of the pop group Brotherhood of Man, has passed away at the age of 77. Lee, along with his bandmates, achieved victory at the 1976 Eurovision Song Contest in The Hague, Netherlands, with their iconic song “Save Your Kisses For Me,” which topped the points table with 164.
Prior to their Eurovision success, the song had already reached the number one spot on the UK singles chart and became a chart-topper in several other countries including Denmark, France, Ireland, Israel, and Spain. The band’s manager, Tony Hiller, attributed the song’s success to their television appearances across Europe the year before the contest, leading to the sale of six million copies of the record.
Martin Lee, born as Martin Barnes on November 26, 1946, in Purley, London, had a brief stint in Australia during his youth. He joined Brotherhood of Man in 1972 as their lead vocalist and guitarist, after the group’s initial lineup disbanded. Lee, along with his bandmates, went on to achieve multiple hits including “Angelo,” “Figaro,” and “Save Your Kisses For Me,” which he co-wrote.
Having been married to bandmate Sandra Stevens for 45 years, Lee leaves behind a legacy of music that includes eight UK top 75 singles and numerous accolades such as three Ivor Novello Awards and an ASCAP Shield. In 2020, the band retired from performing after more than four decades together, maintaining the same lineup that won Eurovision in 1976.
In a statement released by the band, they expressed deep sorrow at the loss of Martin Lee and highlighted his immense contribution to their success over the years. They fondly recalled their shared experiences and memories from their time together as a group, emphasizing the irreplaceable role that Lee played in their musical journey.
Lee’s passing marks the end of an era for Brotherhood of Man and leaves a void in the hearts of his bandmates, family, and fans. His impact on the music industry and his enduring legacy as a talented musician and performer will be remembered for years to come, immortalizing his contributions to the world of music. The band and fans alike mourn the loss of a beloved artist and cherished member of the music community.