Australia mourns loss of two icons: Football legend and pop music star pass away
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Australia has recently lost two iconic figures from the world of sports and music, leaving a legacy that will be remembered for generations.
A legendary coach and a pop music icon have passed away, each profoundly impacting their respective fields. The football world mourns the loss of a celebrated coach who made significant contributions to Australian football, while the music industry grieves for a pop legend who inspired countless fans with their talent and charisma.
Their departures mark the end of remarkable eras, but their achievements and influence will continue to inspire and resonate across Australia and beyond.
John Todd, a key figure in Western Australian football history, has passed away at the age of 86.
John Todd's journey in football began with a bang when he debuted for South Fremantile's senior side at the age of 16 in 1955.
His talent was undeniable, and his impact was immediate, as he clinched the Sandover Medal for the league's best and fairest player in his first year.
However, fate dealt a cruel blow to the young star when, at just 17, he suffered a serious knee injury that threatened to derail his promising career.
Despite this setback, Todd's passion for the game couldn't be quashed and continued to play, racking up 132 games for South Fremantle and representing Western Australia nine times.
His resilience and skill were on full display in 1961 when he helped lead WA to victory in the Australian championships, earning the prestigious All-Australian title.
It was as a coach that Todd truly made his mark, though. Starting as a player-coach for South Fremantle at the age of 20, he embarked on a coaching career that would span over four decades.
His leadership and strategic acumen resulted in six premiership victories, including an impressive four for Swan Districts (1982, 1983, 1984, and 1990) and one each for East Fremantle (1974) and South Fremantle (1997).
Todd's influence extended to the national stage when he took the helm of the West Coast Eagles for the 1988 and 1989 seasons of the Western Australian Football League (WAFL).
Under his guidance, the Eagles soared to their first finals appearance, a thrilling match against Melbourne at Waverley Park that would be etched in fans' memories for years to come.
Despite being sacked as coach of West Coast at the end of 1989, Todd's indomitable spirit saw him return to Swan Districts the following year, where he once again led the team to a WAFL premiership.
His final premiership came in 1997 with South Fremantle—the club where his illustrious journey began.
The football world recognised Todd's extraordinary contributions with numerous accolades.
He was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2003 and elevated to legend status in the West Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
His name was also immortalised as an inaugural legend in South Fremantle's Hall of Fame in 2011, and he was named Swan Districts' coach of the century.
According to West Coast CEO Don Pyke, Todd was a ‘key figure in making us the club that we are today’.
‘He was one of the club's pioneers operating with no genuine home base and with a range of other obstacles in his path,’ Mr Pyke shared.
‘He is a legend of the game, and as a club, we are extremely grateful for his contribution.’
‘On behalf of everyone at the club, I offer our deepest condolences to John's family, friends and loved ones,’ he continued.
AFL Commission Chair Richard Goyder, who also chairs the Australian Football Hall of Fame, reflected on Todd's impact.
‘John Todd was successful in every aspect of his football journey and influenced so much of West Australian football to demand the highest standards and seek for constant improvement,’ he stated.
‘He moulded players into great teams but I want to acknowledge too that John had an unbelievable love of the game and football people across his entire life.’
‘In the privilege of being able to spend time with him in recent years, he was still a regular attendee at games, engaged with everyone across football and was a great advocate for the game and what it could do for people and communities.’
‘He was incredibly tough, building his career after injury took away his playing days, and he had the highest standards as a coach,’ Mr Goyder added.
Swan Districts Vice President Andy Holmes also expressed the deep sadness felt by the club, saying, ‘His long service and success at our club was legendary.’
‘Those players who played under Toddy knew how uncompromising he was as a coach, but he made us all better players and, more importantly, better men.’
‘The club was preparing for the annual John Todd Cup against South Fremantle at our next home game on Saturday 15 June.’
‘It will now be a memorial to a great man who will be sadly missed,’ he added.
As the football community mourns the loss of this towering figure in Western Australian football history, another sector of the Australian public grieves a different kind of legend.
Just days after announcing his retirement, novelty song legend Colin Gibb passed away at 70, leaving a significant void in the music industry.
Colin, who was the longest-standing member of Black Lace, was part of the fabric that made up the soundtrack of many lives, particularly in the 1980s.
The band became a household name after finishing seventh for the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1979 with the catchy tune ‘Mary Ann’. They were known for their infectious and often cheeky songs that got Britain—and indeed, Australia—dancing.
Their greatest hit, ‘Agadoo’, a song that is as much a part of a good party playlist as any classic, reached the number two spot on the UK charts and number 16 in Australia.
The band's repertoire was filled with other memorable tracks such as ‘Do the Conga’, ‘Superman’, ‘Hokey Cokey’, ‘Wig-Wam Bam’, and ‘I Am the Music Man’, each one a testament to the fun and frivolity that Black Lace brought to the music scene.
Despite numerous changes in the band's lineup, Colin, born Colin Routh, remained a constant presence, embodying the spirit of Black Lace for decades.
His dedication to the band and its fans was unwavering, and his recent retirement announcement on social media reflected a bittersweet end to a remarkable journey.
‘All good things must come to an end,’ he wrote, signalling his intention to step back from the limelight and enjoy a well-deserved retirement.
Tragically, Colin's dreams of a peaceful retirement were cut short as his wife, Sue Kelly, shared the heartbreaking news of the passing of her ‘dearest husband’ with fans on Sunday, June 2.
‘I love you, Colin, spent 22 years living your Agadoo dream. We were due to retire to Spain on Thursday, you were so happy, so looking forward to our new life, now you’re gone,’ she lamented.
‘As we used to say, always love you forever.’
Colin's former bandmate, Dene Michael, who took over as Black Lace's lead singer from 1987 to 1991, also expressed his sadness at the loss of his singing partner.
‘So sad to hear the passing of my singing partner with Black Lace RIP my friend Colin Gibb. God Bless. We had some great times together touring the world,’ he wrote, highlighting the bond they shared through music and performance.
The official Black Lace social media page also paid tribute to Colin, acknowledging his foundational role in the band and the void his passing has left.
‘It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our great friend Colin Gibb,’ the statement read.
‘Colin was one of the founder members of Black Lace, together with Alan Barton, and will be truly missed by everyone who knew him.’
‘We’d like to send his family and friends all our love and support at this extremely difficult time,’ the statement continued.
Gibb had revealed his retirement on May 13, informing fans that he would perform one last show that week and expressing gratitude for their support over the years.
‘I have decided to retire,’ he wrote.
‘My last show will be on Thursday at Villa Adeje Beach Hotel, in San Eugeneo.’
‘Thanks to all of you that have supported “Black Lace” over the years and the thousands of friends I have met during that time since we set out in 1975,’ Gibb added.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of John Todd and Colin Gibb, two extraordinary individuals who left an indelible mark on their respective fields. Both of them will be profoundly missed, but their spirits and contributions will live on in our hearts and memories.
We extend our deepest sympathies to their families, friends, and fans during this difficult time.
Have you watched a game of John Todd or perhaps danced to Colin Gibb’s song? What are your most remarkable memories with either of them? Share your stories with us in the comments below.
A legendary coach and a pop music icon have passed away, each profoundly impacting their respective fields. The football world mourns the loss of a celebrated coach who made significant contributions to Australian football, while the music industry grieves for a pop legend who inspired countless fans with their talent and charisma.
Their departures mark the end of remarkable eras, but their achievements and influence will continue to inspire and resonate across Australia and beyond.
John Todd, a key figure in Western Australian football history, has passed away at the age of 86.
John Todd's journey in football began with a bang when he debuted for South Fremantile's senior side at the age of 16 in 1955.
His talent was undeniable, and his impact was immediate, as he clinched the Sandover Medal for the league's best and fairest player in his first year.
John Todd passed away at the age of 86, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport. Credits: Instagram / WA Football
However, fate dealt a cruel blow to the young star when, at just 17, he suffered a serious knee injury that threatened to derail his promising career.
Despite this setback, Todd's passion for the game couldn't be quashed and continued to play, racking up 132 games for South Fremantle and representing Western Australia nine times.
His resilience and skill were on full display in 1961 when he helped lead WA to victory in the Australian championships, earning the prestigious All-Australian title.
It was as a coach that Todd truly made his mark, though. Starting as a player-coach for South Fremantle at the age of 20, he embarked on a coaching career that would span over four decades.
His leadership and strategic acumen resulted in six premiership victories, including an impressive four for Swan Districts (1982, 1983, 1984, and 1990) and one each for East Fremantle (1974) and South Fremantle (1997).
Todd's influence extended to the national stage when he took the helm of the West Coast Eagles for the 1988 and 1989 seasons of the Western Australian Football League (WAFL).
Under his guidance, the Eagles soared to their first finals appearance, a thrilling match against Melbourne at Waverley Park that would be etched in fans' memories for years to come.
Despite being sacked as coach of West Coast at the end of 1989, Todd's indomitable spirit saw him return to Swan Districts the following year, where he once again led the team to a WAFL premiership.
His final premiership came in 1997 with South Fremantle—the club where his illustrious journey began.
The football world recognised Todd's extraordinary contributions with numerous accolades.
He was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2003 and elevated to legend status in the West Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
His name was also immortalised as an inaugural legend in South Fremantle's Hall of Fame in 2011, and he was named Swan Districts' coach of the century.
According to West Coast CEO Don Pyke, Todd was a ‘key figure in making us the club that we are today’.
‘He was one of the club's pioneers operating with no genuine home base and with a range of other obstacles in his path,’ Mr Pyke shared.
‘He is a legend of the game, and as a club, we are extremely grateful for his contribution.’
‘On behalf of everyone at the club, I offer our deepest condolences to John's family, friends and loved ones,’ he continued.
AFL Commission Chair Richard Goyder, who also chairs the Australian Football Hall of Fame, reflected on Todd's impact.
‘John Todd was successful in every aspect of his football journey and influenced so much of West Australian football to demand the highest standards and seek for constant improvement,’ he stated.
‘He moulded players into great teams but I want to acknowledge too that John had an unbelievable love of the game and football people across his entire life.’
‘In the privilege of being able to spend time with him in recent years, he was still a regular attendee at games, engaged with everyone across football and was a great advocate for the game and what it could do for people and communities.’
‘He was incredibly tough, building his career after injury took away his playing days, and he had the highest standards as a coach,’ Mr Goyder added.
Swan Districts Vice President Andy Holmes also expressed the deep sadness felt by the club, saying, ‘His long service and success at our club was legendary.’
‘Those players who played under Toddy knew how uncompromising he was as a coach, but he made us all better players and, more importantly, better men.’
‘The club was preparing for the annual John Todd Cup against South Fremantle at our next home game on Saturday 15 June.’
‘It will now be a memorial to a great man who will be sadly missed,’ he added.
As the football community mourns the loss of this towering figure in Western Australian football history, another sector of the Australian public grieves a different kind of legend.
Just days after announcing his retirement, novelty song legend Colin Gibb passed away at 70, leaving a significant void in the music industry.
Colin, who was the longest-standing member of Black Lace, was part of the fabric that made up the soundtrack of many lives, particularly in the 1980s.
The band became a household name after finishing seventh for the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1979 with the catchy tune ‘Mary Ann’. They were known for their infectious and often cheeky songs that got Britain—and indeed, Australia—dancing.
Their greatest hit, ‘Agadoo’, a song that is as much a part of a good party playlist as any classic, reached the number two spot on the UK charts and number 16 in Australia.
The band's repertoire was filled with other memorable tracks such as ‘Do the Conga’, ‘Superman’, ‘Hokey Cokey’, ‘Wig-Wam Bam’, and ‘I Am the Music Man’, each one a testament to the fun and frivolity that Black Lace brought to the music scene.
Colin Gibb, the longest-serving member of Black Lace and a novelty music legend, died at 70 shortly after announcing his retirement. Credits: Facebook / Colin Gibb Black Lace
Despite numerous changes in the band's lineup, Colin, born Colin Routh, remained a constant presence, embodying the spirit of Black Lace for decades.
His dedication to the band and its fans was unwavering, and his recent retirement announcement on social media reflected a bittersweet end to a remarkable journey.
‘All good things must come to an end,’ he wrote, signalling his intention to step back from the limelight and enjoy a well-deserved retirement.
Tragically, Colin's dreams of a peaceful retirement were cut short as his wife, Sue Kelly, shared the heartbreaking news of the passing of her ‘dearest husband’ with fans on Sunday, June 2.
‘I love you, Colin, spent 22 years living your Agadoo dream. We were due to retire to Spain on Thursday, you were so happy, so looking forward to our new life, now you’re gone,’ she lamented.
‘As we used to say, always love you forever.’
Colin's former bandmate, Dene Michael, who took over as Black Lace's lead singer from 1987 to 1991, also expressed his sadness at the loss of his singing partner.
‘So sad to hear the passing of my singing partner with Black Lace RIP my friend Colin Gibb. God Bless. We had some great times together touring the world,’ he wrote, highlighting the bond they shared through music and performance.
The official Black Lace social media page also paid tribute to Colin, acknowledging his foundational role in the band and the void his passing has left.
‘It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our great friend Colin Gibb,’ the statement read.
‘Colin was one of the founder members of Black Lace, together with Alan Barton, and will be truly missed by everyone who knew him.’
‘We’d like to send his family and friends all our love and support at this extremely difficult time,’ the statement continued.
Gibb had revealed his retirement on May 13, informing fans that he would perform one last show that week and expressing gratitude for their support over the years.
‘I have decided to retire,’ he wrote.
‘My last show will be on Thursday at Villa Adeje Beach Hotel, in San Eugeneo.’
‘Thanks to all of you that have supported “Black Lace” over the years and the thousands of friends I have met during that time since we set out in 1975,’ Gibb added.
We extend our deepest sympathies to their families, friends, and fans during this difficult time.
Have you watched a game of John Todd or perhaps danced to Colin Gibb’s song? What are your most remarkable memories with either of them? Share your stories with us in the comments below.
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