SEVENTIES pop icon Alvin Stardust – father of Reigate Grammar School's head teacher – has died aged 72 following a short illness.
He had recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer and died at home this morning (Thursday) with his wife Julie Paton and family around him, his manager said.
The former glam rock star is best known for hits My Coo Ca Choo, Jealous Mind and I Feel Like Buddy Holly.
He had been due to release his first album in 30 years next month.
Born Bernard William Jewry, he found fame initially as 'Shane Fenton', performing as Shane Fenton & The Fentones in the early 60s. After their break-up he continued to work in the entertainment industry before returning as Alvin Stardust.
As well as a string of chart-topping singles, he also worked in theatre, with roles in Godspell, David Copperfield and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
His son, Shaun Fenton was appointed principle of Reigate Grammar School in February 2012.
In an interview with the Mirror at the time, Mr Fenton said despite his rock and roll upbringing, mingling with the likes of Suzi Quatro and Showaddywaddy, he said his father's strong conviction of the importance of hard work and education shone through.
He said: "My father might have spent his time surrounded by black leather and champagne but he taught me the values I hold today, and he taught me about respect.
"Growing up with a pop star father was a mixture of rock and roll and surprising traditional values about manners, a good education and the importance of hard work."
His manager Andy Davies said today: "Alvin and I had only started working together over the last couple of years because he and I believed that musically he still had a great deal to give and explore and so we recorded an album that is a testament to an artist who gave his career to music.
"I may not have known him long but even in that short time he proved to be one of the most genuine and likeable men I've ever met; his passing is a huge and sad loss."
