Veteran British singer Steve Ellis has passed away. Known as one of the original founding members of Love Affair, Ellis reportedly died of complications from a chronic illness.
Steve Ellis passes away at 76
In an official Facebook post on his account, his reps confirmed the news of his passing in a statement that read, “Dear Friends, It’s with a heavy heart that we share the news of Steve’s passing. After complications from a chronic illness, Steve peacefully left the world on the evening of October 30, 2026, in the presence of his loved ones. Please feel free to leave your thoughts, memories, or condolences for the family in the comments below. Everlasting Love.”
Tributes pour in for Steve Ellis
Soon after the news of his passing was confirmed online, many fans and netizens alike took to their accounts to share their condolences and memories of the singer. One person wrote, “So sad to hear this. He was a genuinely nice and kind person (apart from having such a wonderful voice). I met him backstage at the Colston Hall Bristol when I was about 16 and he was 19. He was so friendly to a young, awkward girl”, while another person shared, “Sending condolences to his family ... Steve was one of my earliest ‘pop idols. ‘ People would look at me mad when I said that, as they had no idea who he was..I did.”Many people shared anecdotes of meeting the singer and sharing how kind and joyful he was. One person wrote in the comment section: “Such sad news. I remember sitting in his lounge in Portslade and having such a laugh. We put together a charity single for the NSPCC and raised funds. Great voice and a great man. RIP mate.” Another person added, “I roadied with the Love Affair when they were on tour in Scotland in the late 60’s, Stevie was just in his teens, but a really nice guy. R.I.P. Stevie, the world is missing a star.”
Who was Steve Ellis?
Born in Edgware, Steve Ellis started his career as a musician from a young age. He started by fronting for The Clifton Bystanders before he formed the Soul Survivors with a couple of other musicians. The group’s sound was heavily influenced by American soul and R&B music at the time. However, around the time they found out that another group had already been operating under the name, in late 1966, they officially changed their name to Love Affair. The group was active from 1966 to 1971, when they disbanded after losing popularity.Two years after the name change, the group broke into the mainstream with their single ‘Everlasting Love’, a massive hit that topped multiple music charts. Another of the group’s songs that went viral at the time was ‘Gone Are the Songs of Yesterday’, written by Phillip Goodhand-Tait.
