British Eurovision star Martin Lee, a member of the band Brotherhood of Man, has passed away at the age of 77. The band achieved success by winning the Eurovision contest in 1976 with their iconic song “Save Your Kisses For Me” in The Hague, Netherlands. The song received 164 points, securing the first-place position by a significant margin.
Martin Lee, along with his bandmates Lee Sheridan, Nicky Stevens, and Sandra Stevens, enjoyed chart-topping success not only in the UK but also in over 30 different countries with “Save Your Kisses For Me.” The song’s popularity was attributed to the band’s extensive TV appearances across various European countries leading up to the contest.
Lee, originally born as Martin Barnes in London, joined Brotherhood of Man in 1972 as the main vocalist and guitarist. Prior to his time with the band, he had released a solo single and performed with other musical groups. His contributions to the band were instrumental in their success, culminating in their Eurovision win.
Despite his Eurovision triumph, Lee expressed his views on the modern-day contest, criticizing its shift towards being more of a “light show” and lamenting the absence of live orchestras. He believed that the focus on visuals had taken away from the importance of the music itself in the competition.
The Eurovision Song Contest, which began in 1956, is an annual event that brings together nations from Europe and beyond to compete through music. Inspired by Italy’s Sanremo Music Festival, Eurovision has become one of the longest-running international music competitions on television.
In addition to Brotherhood of Man, one of the most famous winners of the Eurovision Song Contest is the Swedish group ABBA, who achieved global fame following their victory. The contest continues to be a platform for showcasing diverse musical talent and cultural exchange among participating countries.