Wayne Fontana: Tributes paid as ’60s pop star dies aged 74

Tributes have flooded in for Wayne Fontana after it was revealed that the 1960s pop star known for his massive hit ‘Game of Love’ had passed away at the age of 74.

The Machester-born singer died Thursday with his long-term partner by his side, according to a family statement released by his managers. The cause of death has not been announced.

The pop star found fame in 1964 when he and his backing group, The Mindbenders, released ‘Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um’. A year later they released ‘Game of Love’, which went on to become a global success. ‘Game of Love’ hit number one in the US and number two in the UK.

Wayne left to go solo later that year and had his own success with ‘Come on Home’ in 1966 and ‘Pamela Pamela’ in 1967. He was also one of the performers at the first Glastonbury Festival in England in 1970.

English singer Terry Sylvester led the tributes, writing on Twitter: “Sad to hear my pal Wayne Fontana has passed away, we shared dressing rooms for the last U.K. tour I did, what a talented man he was, never a dull moment, RIP my friend.”

Many fans have also taken to social media to share their condolences, with Twitter user @lamarr_mark, writing: “Sad to hear of Wayne Fontana’s passing today.” Meanwhile, @davesweetmore said: “Another great 60s rock n roll legend leaves us. RIP Wayne Fontana.”

And @tonyblackburn wrote: “So sorry to hear about the passing of the great 60’s icon Wayne Fontana yesterday. He was a lovely guy and gave us some great songs.”