11 November 2024 16:49 | Update: November 11, 2024, 16:51

Andy Leek, star of Dexys Midnight Runners, passed away at the age of 66.

Leek died on November 3 following a battle with Parkinson’s disease.

He became a member of Dexy’s Midnight Runners after the release of their debut single Dance Stance in 1979 and split up just as their song Geno was reaching number one.

The band is best known for their hit song Come On Eileen, which later reached number one in 1982.

Meanwhile, Leek continued his solo career with his song Say Something, which became a number one hit in Lebanon during the civil war.

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Leek married his partner, Deborah Smith Lawrence, on October 30, just four days before his death.

The couple had been together for 35 years and had originally planned a Christmas wedding.

Announcing his death on Facebook, Ms Lawrence said: “The poet Mary Oliver wrote: ‘Make room in your heart for the unimaginable.’

“And the unimaginable happened.

“My beautiful Andy passed away on Sunday, November 3rd.

“Thankfully he was kept safe at Goscote Hospice, the most peaceful place I have ever known in my life. He received truly compassionate and loving care from the people there.

“I was with him in his most fragile final moments, and he died bravely while he was alive.

“Andy had lived with Parkinson’s disease for the better part of twenty years. He was an extraordinary person; at times strong and kind, funny and vulnerable, freedom-loving, highly creative, passionate and intelligent, yet always immensely loving, generous and original.”

He continued: “I can’t tell you how bittersweet it is to have gotten married and lost the love of my life within a week.

“I have no words to convey the shock and sadness I feel the same way, but I have the lasting love and the most amazing memories for a lifetime of being with such a wonderful man. My soulmate, my husband, and my best friend.

“Andy’s incredible talent and musical legacy as a poet, songwriter, musician and world-class singer will live on.”