Steve Ellis, Love Affair Singer Behind 'Everlasting Love,' Dies at 76

Steve Ellis, the charismatic frontman of the 1960s British band Love Affair, died on October 30, 2026, at the age of 76. His passing was confirmed by his family on his official Facebook page, citing complications from a chronic illness. Ellis leaves behind a legacy defined by one of the most enduring pop anthems of the 20th century, "Everlasting Love."

Born in London, Ellis began his musical journey as a teenager, forming Love Affair in 1966. The band quickly rose to fame with their cover of "Everlasting Love," a song originally written by Buzz Cason and Mac Gayden and first recorded by American singer Robert Knight. While Knight’s version was a soulful hit in the U.S., peaking at Number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, Love Affair’s rendition became a phenomenon in the UK. Released in December 1967, it climbed to the top of the UK singles chart in February 1968, dethroning The Beatles’ "Hello, Goodbye" and spending two weeks at Number One.

The recording of "Everlasting Love" was almost accidental. Ellis recalled arriving at the studio to find a 40-piece orchestra and session musicians instead of his bandmates. The song was recorded in just two takes, capturing the energy and charm that would make it a timeless classic. The band’s rise to fame was further fueled by a now-legendary PR stunt: climbing the statue of Eros in London’s Piccadilly Circus. Ellis got stuck at the top and had to be rescued by firefighters, a moment that only added to the band’s rebellious image.

A Career of Highs and Lows

Love Affair was more than just a one-hit wonder. The band followed up "Everlasting Love" with three more Top 10 hits in the UK: - "Rainbow Valley" (No. 5) - "A Day Without Love" (No. 6) - "Bringing on Back the Good Times" (No. 9)

Despite their success, Ellis left the band in 1970, seeking new creative directions. He formed his own group, Ellis, with keyboardist Zoot Money, releasing two albums in the early 1970s. Later, he joined the rock band Widowmaker, which achieved modest success with two albums in the mid-1970s. However, by the early 1980s, Ellis had stepped away from music entirely, taking a job working on the docks in southern England.

His life took a dramatic turn in 1981 when a forklift accident severely injured his feet, leading to nearly a decade of surgeries and physical therapy. The accident forced him to rebuild his life, but Ellis eventually returned to music, touring and recording sporadically. In 2008, he released The Best of Days, an album featuring collaborations with rock legends Roger Daltrey of The Who and Paul Weller of The Jam.

A Complicated Relationship with Fame

Ellis had a love-hate relationship with "Everlasting Love," the song that defined his career. For years, he refused to perform it live, feeling burdened by its overwhelming success. However, he eventually embraced it, recognizing its significance to fans. "You can’t turn your back on your heritage," he said in a 2015 interview. "It’s become one of those songs of its time, of its era. When we play it live, everybody goes mad."

In his later years, Ellis faced health challenges, including complications from COVID-19 in 2020, which forced him to cancel a planned tour. Despite these setbacks, he remained a beloved figure in British music, celebrated for his contributions to pop and rock.

Remembering Steve Ellis

Ellis’s death marks the end of an era for fans of 1960s British pop. His voice, energy, and stage presence left an indelible mark on music, and "Everlasting Love" remains a staple of classic radio playlists. While he may be best remembered for that one iconic song, his career was a testament to resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of music.

Tributes have poured in from fans and fellow musicians, including songwriter David Courtney, who described Ellis as a "longtime friend" and expressed his condolences to Ellis’s family. As the music world mourns his loss, his legacy lives on through the timeless tracks he helped create.