How did Cliff Fish die? Wife remembers late Paper Lace singer and bass guitarist, 73, as 'kind and caring'
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND: Paper Lace singer and bass guitarist Cliff Fish has died at the age of 73 after losing his battle with cancer. The legendary artist was part of the pop rock band alongside Phil Wright and Carlo Paul Santanna. The band originated from Nottingham and carried the charts in the 1970s. They are best known for the hit tracks 'Billy Don't Be a Hero' and 'The Night Chicago Died'.
His wife Elaine and son Rob confirmed the news of his death in a statement to The Sun on Sunday, April 16, 2023. "I just wanted to share the sad news that Cliff passed away on Friday afternoon after losing his battle with cancer. The last two years have been very difficult but Cliff faced the challenges of cancer with bravery, courage and lived his life to the fullest he possibly could right to the end. Everyone that knows Cliff will already know what a kind, caring, fun loving, wonderful, genuine person he was and what a pleasure it was to spend time in his company," they said.
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'Rest in peace Cliff'
"Not only a talented musician and performer, he made a success from anything he turned his hand to in life and was a devoted Husband, Father and Grandfather throughout. Cliff will never be forgotten and he will never stop being unconditionally loved by his family and friends. Rest in peace Cliff. X," Elaine added in the statement. Fish is survived by his wife Elaine and sons Rob and John.
'Cliff was a really lovely man'
The tragic news was also announced on Fish's Facebook page which confirmed that the star died at his house in Cyprus. The family shared a heartfelt message, thanking the two carers who "treated and fought for Cliff until the end." They further wrote about planning on arrangements to celebrate the star's life in the UK. The fans will be notified about the next updates.
Friends and family paid tributes for the pop legend as one wrote, "My condolences to you all, Cliff was a tremendous musician but as you stated a lovely guy too. RIP."
Another wrote, "What a sad day, Cliff was a really lovely man it was a pleasure to have known him and the family, thoughts with you all."
Paper Lace was 'discovered' on the talent show 'Opportunity Knocks', as per Nottingham Post. Fish was in his 20s at that time. The band has released albums 'First Edition' as well as 'And Other Bits of Material'/'Paper Lace'. They came to an end in 1980 before reforming again in 2015.