The musician, real name Geoffrey Bettes, had spent the past three weeks in hospital after suffering a fall at his home. The star, who lived alone, wasn’t found until hours after the fall. Former Showaddywaddy singer Dave, 66, told Leicestershire Live: “We were still extremely close. I’m absolutely gutted and totally heartbroken.
“I’m feeling a little woeful, it’s very sad.
“I have informed most of the other band members, who are all extremely upset,” he continued.
Dave also told the publication Al had previously suffered with cancer several times.
“His body wasn’t capable of keeping him ticking along,” he said.
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Dave said he visited Al twice while he was in hospital and that, on the second occasion, the bassist asked if he would speak at his funeral.
Al is father to two daughters and one son and his daughter Joanne was with him when he died.
Al and Dave founded Showaddywaddy in 1973 and the band went on to release hits such as Under The Moon of Love and Three Steps To Heaven.
In addition to playing bass with the band, Al also performed lead vocals on tracks including King of the Jive and Rocker Boots.
According to the Showaddywaddy website, his fondest memory with the group was playing behind the Iron Curtain in East Berlin in 1978.
The show was reportedly broadcast to 300 million people.
The website also says Al’s favourite Showaddywaddy single was Three Steps To Heaven, and he was most proud of the album Red Star.
Al was part of Showaddywaddy from when they formed in 1973 up until 2008.
After leaving the band, he was said to have enjoyed reading and gardening at his home in Market Harborough, near Leicester.
Fans took to Twitter to pay tribute to the late Showaddywaddy star, with one saying: “Sorry to hear of the passing of Geoff Bettes (known as Al James) of Shwaddywaddy.”
“So sad to hear of the passing of Geoff Betts (Al James) former member of Showaddywaddy,” another wrote, while a third penned: “Massive loss losing the great Al James AKA Geoff Betts of Showaddywaddy!
“Always see him around our home town. Top top bloke. RIP mate and thank you for the music!”
“Really sad, one of my first ever concerts was #Showaddywaddy,” another fan said. “Al James part of my childhood. Happy memories.”