Paper Lace star Cliff Fish dies at 73 as wife speaks out on his difficult final years | Celebrity News | Showbiz & TV
Cliff Fish died on Friday aged 73, after losing his battle with cancer.
The Paper Lace singer and bass guitarist had endured a “very difficult” last few years due to the disease.
The star’s wife Elaine and sons, Rob and Jon, shared a heartfelt tribute this morning.
Cliff and the band had huge success in the early 1970s with worldwide hits, Billy Don’t be a Hero and The Night Chicago died.
He, Phil Wright and Carlo Paul Santanna formed in Nottingham in 1967, before finding fame in the US.
READ MORE: Paul O’Grady’s funeral to be held at favourite safari park
Speaking to The Sun, his family said: “We just wanted to share the sad news that Cliff passed away on Friday afternoon after losing his battle with cancer.
“The last two years have been very difficult but Cliff faced the challenges of cancer with bravery, courage and lived his life to the fullest he possibly could right to the end.
“Everyone that knows Cliff will already know what a kind, caring, fun loving, wonderful, genuine person he was and what a pleasure it was to spend time in his company.”
His loved ones continued: “Not only a talented musician and performer, he made a success from anything he turned his hand to in life and was a devoted Husband, Father and Grandfather throughout.
“Cliff will never be forgotten and he will never stop being unconditionally loved by his family and friends.
“Rest in peace Cliff. X.”
Tributes have since flooded in for Cliff, with bandmate Philip saying: “It is with great unbelievable sadness and the heaviest of hearts that I mourn the passing today of this lovely guy.
“I have known him since 1967 when I joined the band which eventually became Paper Lace.
“My heart goes out to the family I have come to know and love, Elaine his wife and his two sons Jon and Rob.”
He added: “The world will be a darker place from now on, Cliff you will be missed by me and all the people who knew you.”
Paper Lace came to an end in 1980 before reforming in 2015.
During their heyday, the rockers released albums First Edition and And Other Bits of Material/Paper Lace.
