Cliff Richard's friend Tony Rivers has passed away at the age of 85.
The frontman of the popular sixties band, Tony Rivers and the Castaways, reportedly fell ill with sepsis in February and was rushed to the hospital.
And Cliff took to his social media on Wednesday to announce the sad news to his followers.
In a touching tribute, he wrote: '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.
He concluded the post with: 'God Bless you Tony, I shall miss you greatly. Rest in Peace, Cliff.'
Cliff Richard's friend Tony Rivers has passed away at the age of 85 (Cliff pictured in 2025)
The frontman of the popular sixties band, Tony Rivers and the Castaways, reportedly fell ill with sepsis in February and was rushed to the hospital (Tony pictured)
Cliff led the tributes for the musician, who penned the theme tune for the legendary 70s show, Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?
The star, who was born as Anthony Thompson, was born in Shildon and took guitar lessons as a teenager.
He founded the Cutaways, which were later renamed Tony Rivers and the Castaways.
Some of their most popular songs include God Only Knows and Girl Don't Tell Me, which was originally meant to be a hit for The Beach Boys.
Following his success as part of a band, Tony turned his attention to a solo career, and worked with stars including Jonny Rotten, Elton John and Pink Floyd.
He went solo in 1970 and performed several cover songs on Top of the Pops records.
Following news of Tony's passing, fans flocked to X, formerly Twitter, to share their tributes.
One fan wrote: '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.'
Sharing a touching tribute on Wednesday, Cliff wrote: 'Tony Rivers has passed on, leaving me shocked and upset at losing yet another talented friend,' (Tony pictured 1965)
The star, who was born as Anthony Thompson, was born in Shildon and took guitar lessons as a teenager. He founded the Cutaways, which were later renamed Tony Rivers and the Castaways.
Following news of Tony's passing, fans flocked to X, formerly Twitter, to share their tributes.
'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.'
'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.'
'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.'
While another wrote: 'So Sorry Cliff that you Have Lost Another Good Friend. That was Such A Beautiful Tribute Cliff. Rest in peace Tony . My condolences To His Family. Xx'