Gene Pitney's army of Croydon fans were stunned by the news the singer had been found dead in bed in his Cardiff hotel room last week.

Gene's was midway through his UK tour which brought him to Fairfield Concert Hall, Croydon, on March 23.

He was the star interview in the Croydon Guardian's entertainment section of March 15.

In that interview he had spoken about his healthy lifestyle regime and presented the image of a vigorous, lively 65-year-old.

A regular visitor to Fairfield, Gene first came to our town to perform at the ABC Broad Green in February 1966, a venue that no longer exists.

His first appearance at Fairfield Halls was in February 1969 when he was supported by Joe Cocker and Marmalade.

Laura Roberts, publicity manager for Fairfield Halls, said: "Gene's recent concert here sold more than 1,500 tickets and was a great success.

"He had a very strong Croydon fan-base.

"He was always the perfect gentleman and our staff have fond memories of him as being a true professional."