Overview
- The singer died after complications from a chronic illness on the evening of October 30, 2026, his family said in a statement posted to his official Facebook page.
- Fellow musicians paid public tribute, including Paul Weller and Norman Beaker, and festival organisers recalled his regular appearances and rapport with audiences.
- Ellis was the lead vocalist of Love Affair, whose 1967 cover of 'Everlasting Love' reached No.1 in the UK and displaced The Beatles' 'Hello Goodbye' in January 1968.
- The released recording of 'Everlasting Love' used a backing group of session musicians assembled by producer Mike Smith after Island Records rejected an earlier take produced by Muff Winwood, a detail that later created controversy over who played on the hit.
- After leaving Love Affair in December 1969 Ellis pursued solo work, joined the hard‑rock band Widowmaker in the 1970s and continued to perform at festivals into the 2000s and 2020s, with a recently completed album featuring contributions from peers.