Eurovision Star Martin Lee of Brotherhood Of Man Dies at 77

Martin Lee, a member of the pop group Brotherhood Of Man, who famously won the Eurovision Song Contest for the United Kingdom in 1976, has passed away at the age of 77. The musician died on September 29, 2024, from heart failure following a short illness, according to a statement released by the band.

Brotherhood Of Man’s victory in the Eurovision Song Contest came with their hit song “Save Your Kisses For Me,” which was performed at the final in The Hague, Netherlands. The song garnered 164 points, placing significantly ahead of Switzerland, which finished in second place. The success was not limited to the contest, as “Save Your Kisses For Me” topped the UK singles chart and achieved the number one spot in more than 30 different countries.

The group’s manager, Tony Hiller, attributed the song’s success to their television appearances in various European countries, including France, Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland, a year prior to the competition. The record reportedly sold six million copies worldwide.

Martin Lee joined Brotherhood Of Man in 1972 as the main vocalist and guitarist, alongside Lee Sheriden, Sandra Stevens, and Nicky Stevens, after the group’s initial line-up disbanded. Before his time with Brotherhood Of Man, Lee had a solo career, having released a single entitled “Cry Jose,” and was part of the Johnny Howard Band. Lee was born Martin Barnes on November 26, 1946, in Purley, London, and spent some of his early years in Australia.