Billingshurst-based pop icon Alvin Stardust dies

The 72-year-old had recently been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer and died at home with his wife and family around him, his manager announced today (Thursday October 23).

He was born Bernard William Jewry on September 27 1942 in Muswell Hill, North London.

He began his singing career as the lead in the group Shane Fenton and the Fentones and enjoyed a number of hit singles.

After the group disbanded he moved out of the spotlight for a while but came back with a new persona, Alvin Stardust, and set off on an even more successful career path.

He notched up several single successes, including his 1973 debut My Coo Ca Choo.

Stardust took advantage of the glam-rock era and often appeared on BBC’s Top of the Pops, stylishly dressed.

In more recent times he appeared on stage in various musicals and also had numerous TV roles.

He also appeared more locally in this summer’s Rudgwick Music Festival as the headline act.

He had been working on a new album which was set to be released next month.

Do you have any memories of Alvin Stardust?

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