English singer Steve Ellis, best known as the former frontman of Love Affair, has died at the age of 76. The musician passed away on October 30, following complications from a chronic illness. According to a statement shared on his official Facebook page, he died peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.

Musician David Courtney also confirmed the sad news on Facebook, expressing his condolences to Ellis's wife, Val, and the rest of his family.

Ellis rose to fame in the late 1960s as the lead singer of Love Affair, becoming one of the recognizable voices of the British pop scene. The band's biggest hit, 'Everlasting Love,' brought him widespread recognition and remains a beloved classic to this day. Other successful singles followed, including 'Rainbow Valley,' 'A Day Without Love,' and 'Bringing on Back the Good Times,' cementing his place in British pop history.

Love Affair Scored a No. 1 Hit With 'Everlasting Love'

Steve Ellis's musical journey began at a remarkably young age. At just 15, he was already performing with Soul Survivors, the band that would eventually become Love Affair. The group shot to fame in the late 1960s with their chart-topping hit 'Everlasting Love,' which reached No. 1 in the UK in 1968. Several other singles followed, including multiple Top 10 hits.

Despite the band's success, Ellis decided to leave Love Affair in the fall of 1969. He later pursued other musical ventures, including the bands Widowmaker and Ellis, while also building a solo career. However, he never quite matched the extraordinary chart success of his early years.

A Devastating Accident Changed His Life

In 1980, Ellis suffered a horrific accident involving the forks of a forklift truck weighing approximately two metric tons. According to an account shared on his website, the incident left him with severe injuries to his feet.

The road to recovery was long and difficult. Ellis spent approximately eight years undergoing hospital treatment and rehabilitation, eventually having to learn how to walk again.

During the 1990s, Love Affair reunited several times with different lineups. Toward the end of the decade, Ellis also began working on a new solo album, although the project was delayed due to a series of knee surgeries.

Steve Ellis Continued Making Music Throughout His Career

Despite numerous setbacks, Ellis never lost his passion for music. Over the years, he released several solo albums, including 'The Last Angry Man,' which received its official release long after it was originally recorded.

Other releases included 'Best of Days,' 'Ten Commitments,' 'Boom! Twang! Twang!,' and 'Basement Days.' His most recent album, 'Baby Faced Assassin,' arrived in 2026, adding another chapter to his decades-long musical legacy.

Lung Problems Forced Steve Ellis to Retire From Touring

Earlier in 2026, Ellis opened up about his decision to retire from touring. Following a farewell tour in 2025, the singer stepped away from live performances due to ongoing lung problems.

Speaking to 'The Strange Brew,' Ellis reflected on the emotional toll of no longer being able to perform, comparing the experience to a craftsman losing the ability to practice his trade. It's a bit like being a carpenter and losing your arm," he said.

For a musician who had spent much of his life on stage, the decision marked a difficult end to an e