Garry Leeds, the last remaining member of chart-topping trio The Walker Brothers died at the age of 83 on Sunday, March 1, after suffering a stroke shortly before Christmas. The news of the drummer and vocalist's death was confirmed by a family friend speaking on behalf of the star's wife. Posting in a Walker Brothers Facebook group, Lori Reev wrote: "It is with deepest sadness to bring you this news on behalf of Barbara Leeds and family. Our beloved Gary passed away this evening...Rest in Loving peace, our wonderful Mr Gary Walker. We will all miss you very, very much, and it was a joy to have you in our lives."

They persuaded him to join their band and change his stage name to Walker, as they did, even though none of them were related.

The American trio enjoyed huge commercial success in the UK with No 1 hits Make It Easy On Yourself and “he Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore.

They disbanded following a 1967 UK tour, which also featured Jimi Hendrix, Cat Stevens, and Engelbert Humperdinck, and a 1968 tour of Japan, with the members claiming they wished to pursue solo careers.

However, they would reform in 1974, releasing a new album, No Regrets, in 1975. The title track went to no. 7 on the British charts, but they split again in 1978. They did get back together for two reunion performances in 1982 and 1991.

Tributes flooded in for the legendary musician as fans learned the news. One wrote on Facebook: "Another star hits the cosmos. Godspeed, Gary Leeds!...Thank you so much Gary, from the bottom of our hearts, for all the love, music, fun and enjoyment of our Walker Brothers. We will forever be grateful to Gary for encouraging Scott and John to move to the UK."

Another added: "RIP Gary, the last walker brother brilliant group xxxxxxx." A third chimed in: "I'm sad to hear of the death of Gary Walker. It was my Mum's fondness of them in the 60s that started off my lifelong love but this was the first 'Walker Brothers' single I bought on release. It still sounds wonderful."

A fourth penned: "Gary Walker RIP. Scott Engels and John Mays formed The Walker Brothers in the 1960s, and they became one of the most successful groups of that period. They were more successful in the United Kingdom and they decided to remain here. Gary was the last of the trio and he died yesterday in Essex."

A fifth shared: "How sad. Such a great group. RIP." Meanwhile, a sixth opined: "Farewell to Gary Walker, who was the last surviving member of The Walker Brothers. He was actually the oldest, and they really weren’t brothers....He was 83. Rest In Peace Gary."