Dexys Midnight Runners original member dead: Andy Leek passes away aged 66 following long battle with Parkinson’s disease just days after tying the knot

Dexys Midnight Runners original member dead: Andy Leek passes away aged 66 following long battle with Parkinson's disease just days after tying the knot

As an ardent fan who has followed Andy Leek’s musical journey since the days of Dexys Midnight Runners, I am deeply saddened by the news of his passing. His story is a poignant reminder that life, much like one of his soulful ballads, can be both beautiful and bittersweet.


The original band member, Andy Leek from Dexys Midnight Runners, passed away at the age of 66 following a long fight against Parkinson’s disease.

He died on November 3 aged 66 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease

Andy famously left the band just as his track Geno was reaching number one.

Leek stated, back then, to the Record Mirror that he strongly disliked becoming famous so abruptly. He emphasized that his artistic worth should not be influenced by fame.

In my journey as a lifestyle expert, I eventually embarked on a solo venture and achieved great success with the track “Say Something.” Remarkably, this tune climbed to the top of the charts in Lebanon amidst the tumultuous period of their civil war.

Dexys Midnight Runners original member dead: Andy Leek passes away aged 66 following long battle with Parkinson's disease just days after tying the knot

In 2008, Andy was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of just 49.

In my journey, I had the profound honor of uniting myself with my beloved Deborah Smith Lawrence on the beautiful day of October 30th. Sadly, our story took an unexpected turn when I bid farewell to this world just five days later on November 3rd.

On Facebook, Deborah expressed that Mary Oliver’s words resonate deeply now: “Leave space in your heart for the unexpected.

‘And the unimaginable has happened. My beautiful Andy left us on Sunday November 3.

Fortunately, he found refuge at Goscote Hospice, a tranquil haven that stands out as the most serene spot I’ve encountered throughout my lifetime.

He was given genuinely kind and affectionate attention by the folks there. In those delicate final moments, I stood by his side, and he passed away just as bravely as he had lived.

Deborah added that Andy was an exceptional individual who battled Parkinson’s disease for close to two decades.

She went on to say: ‘He exhibited a mix of strength and gentleness, humor and vulnerability, a love for freedom, an intense creativity, and deep passion and intelligence.’

‘Yet always so immensely loving, generous and authentic. His response to his diagnosis? To play music and to craft song. The album Waking Up the World was written in that maelstrom.

‘I am grateful beyond words for the team at Derby who are exemplary in every way.

‘Fiona, Caroline, Clare, Suzanne, Louise, Rob, Kaanthan.

“I want each one of you to understand just how deeply appreciated your care was to us, and how much Andy adored you all. It seems that as word spreads about him, more and more people express their affection for him.

He truly had an unique personality, and they found themselves greatly motivated by how he bravely battled his situation with both elegance and determination.

‘Naturally they tell me they are listening to his music and this he would treasure.’

Deborah mentioned that they initially intended to get married at Christmas, but ended up tying the knot only a few days before Andy’s passing.

For 35 years, we lived our unconventional lives as free-spirited individuals, and never felt the urge to conform to the traditional institution of marriage,” she explained further.

As a hopelessly smitten admirer, I had been eagerly anticipating our Christmas wedding, a festive union filled with joy and merriment. Alas, fate had other plans, and our dreams were cruelly dashed. Instead, on the spooktacular day of October 30, we exchanged our vows at the enchanting Walsall Manor, where our love story began a new chapter.

It’s hard to find the right words to express it, but this experience has been a mix of joy and sorrow – marrying someone I deeply loved, only to lose them a week later.

‘Equally I have no words to convey the shock and the sorrow I feel.

Still, I cherish the unwavering affection and a treasure trove of priceless memories from my time spent with such an exceptional individual.

‘My soulmate, my husband and my best friend.

Andy’s exceptional gift as a poet, songwriter, performer, and vocalist, his profound influence on music, will continue to be cherished for generations.

What really resonates with me at the moment is the album titled “Eternity Beckons.” I encourage you to immerse yourself in it, listening with an unbiased mind and a generous heart, for that’s how this musician intends for us to experience his gift.

Oh, my dearest, may blessings rain upon you. It pains me deeply yet fills me with pride to have been your lover, confidante, and spouse.

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2024-11-11 19:06

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