Music legend Cliff Richard has been left heartbroken after the death of a close friend and iconic singer dubbed the “master of harmonies.” Tony Rivers — the voice behind a famous 70s TV theme and frontman of Tony Rivers and the Castaways — has died aged 85 after being rushed to hospital with sepsis, his family confirmed. Tony was best known for penning the theme tune to the iconic 70s sitcom Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?, as well as his work as frontman of Tony Rivers and the Castaways.

Tributes have flooded in following the star’s death, with close friend Cliff Richard leading the emotional response.
Cliff Richard shared the heartbreaking news in a tribute, writing: “Tony Rivers has passed on, leaving me shocked and upset at losing yet another talented friend. “He featured on many of my albums and tours, creating backing vocals that lifted my tracks into what I could only have dreamed of.

“He was the ‘Master’ of harmonies. God Bless you Tony, I shall miss you greatly. Rest in Peace, Cliff.” Tony first joined a group called The Cutaways before they rebranded, going on to find success with a hit cover of God Only Knows.

After the band split, he formed Harmony Grass, with their single Move a Little Closer reaching No.24 in the UK charts in 1969.

Tony later launched a solo career, working as a session singer and performing on Top of the Pops records, even providing vocals in the style of stars including Alvin Stardust, Donny Osmond and Johnny Rotten.

Fans also paid their respects, with one writing: “A great loss to music . Great vocalist in both his own groups and with Cliff . Did a lot of session work and his own recordings."

"Our group the Shakanes were second on the bill to the Castaways in Brentwood many moons ago . I think I have virtually all his recordings ……will treasure them and his book”

Another added: “Great loss ,saw him many times with Castaways, and later with Cliff. Great harmony singer and arranger will be missed.RIP Tony and thanks for the great music.”

Tony, born Anthony Thompson in Shildon, first discovered his passion for music as a teenager, inspired by 1950s icon Buddy Holly. After taking up guitar and performing at a holiday camp, he went on to form The Cutaways — the group that would later become Tony Rivers and the Castaways.

The band went on to achieve success with their harmony-driven sound, recording popular covers including God Only Knows and Girl Don’t Tell Me, originally a hit for The Beach Boys, helping cement their place in the British pop and harmony scene.

This is a breaking showbiz story, the/showbiz team will be updating this story with the latest information as soon as we receive it. For further updates, please refresh the page

You can also get email updates on the day’s biggest TV stories straight to your inbox bysigning up for our newsletters.

Get all the very best headlines, pictures, opinion and video on the day’s top showbiz stories by followingExpress.co.uk every time you see our name.

You can also sign up for Twitter alerts for breaking news and all the latest updates by following @‌Daily_Express, or for the latest TV and showbiz news, follow @‌expressceleb

Keep up-to-date with your must-see TV stories, features, videos and pictures throughout the day by following us on Facebook at

Express Celebrity