Steve Ellis, the frontman of 1960s rock band Love Affair, has died at the age of 76 following complications from a chronic illness. The singer, best known for the hit track Everlasting Love, passed away on the evening of October 30, 2026, in the presence of his loved ones.
Chart-topping success with Everlasting Love
Ellis fronted Love Affair in the late 1960s. The band's biggest hit, Everlasting Love, was released in 1967 and knocked The Beatles' Hello Goodbye from the number one chart slot. They also enjoyed success with tracks including A Day Without Love and Rainbow Valley.
His death was confirmed in a post online, which 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. Everlasting Love."
Tributes from friends and broadcasters
Record producer David Courtney paid tribute, saying: "I am sad to announce the passing of my long time friend Steve Ellis who left us [on Saturday]. My thoughts are with Val and the family."
Blues musician Norman Beaker added: "Very sad to have learned that Steve Ellis singer with Love Affair on hits like Everlasting Love, and many others has passed away, he .was a good friend and a great voice. I recently performed a track on his new album, one of my songs "She heals my soul". He was a legend with the mod movement, a great character, he will be sadly missed."
Boom Radio shared their tribute, writing: "We’re so sorry to learn that Steve ELlise, legendary frontman of Love Affair has died. What a voice. He will never be forgotten. He was 76." Heritage Chart Radio added: "We are deeply saddened to hear the news that Steve Ellis has passed away. Steve was one of the great voices of British music, best known as the frontman of the legendary 1960s group The Love Affair. His incredible talent, passion for music and contribution to the soundtrack of so many lives will never be forgotten."
