Eddy Amoo, the lead singer of the Real Thing – the British soul group who had a UK No 1 single with You To Me Are Everything in 1976 – has died, aged 74.
The singer-songwriter died suddenly on Friday in Australia, according to a statement from his brother Chris, and Dave Smith who still play in the band that was formed in 1972 in Liverpool.
They tweeted: “It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our brother and inspiration, Eddy Amoo, who passed away on 23rd February, age 74.”
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our brother and inspiration, Eddy Amoo, who passed away on 23rd February, age 74. Eddy was a showman and a legend. Please leave your messages here. Much love, Chris and Dave. The Real Thing #eddyamoo pic.twitter.com/2cW9teaVnh
— The Real Thing (@EddyChrisDave) February 23, 2018
Thank you for all love shown to Liverpool's greatest showman. Eddy would be proud and humbled #eddyamoo #therealthing #greatestshowman #liverpool #bestofbritish #liverpoolsfinest #toxteth Your thoughts and comments mean so much to us ❤️ pic.twitter.com/xJfWWJvJAs
— The Real Thing (@EddyChrisDave) February 23, 2018
On the band’s website, he was described as “a showman, a songwriter and a legend in British music. Eddy will long be remembered as a tour de force in British music and he will be sorely missed.”
The television presenter and actor Floella Benjamin tweeted that Amoo was “a gem to work with” on the film Black Joy, which was released in 1977, and that his legacy would live on.
Can't believe the talented #EddyAmoo of the #RealThing has passed away. He was a gem to work with on the film #BlackJoy & his legacy & music will live on. May his musical soul rest in peace. So sad❤️ 🎼❤️@EddyChrisDave
— Floella Benjamin (@FloellaBenjamin) February 23, 2018
The band’s other hits include Can You Feel The Force? and Can’t Get By Without You.
Amoo’s friend Simon Sheridan told the BBC that Amoo, who was an “inspirational character”, died suddenly. He added that the Real Thing were “huge pioneers of black music in the UK”.
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 pic.twitter.com/LgGnZrCIs5
— Simon Sheridan (@SJASheridan) February 23, 2018
Chris Amoo and Smith said they intend to keep touring later this year.
