Mike Berry 'on terrific form' in final performance weeks before his death

was on "terrific form" just weeks before the news that The was aged 82 when his death was confirmed by his manager and close friend, Peter Stockton. But in the weeks leading up to his death, Mike remained busy and even treated fans to a performance in February.

On February 23, the singer took to the stage at Half Moon in Putney, London, alongside The Outlaws. The night promised to be "comfortable" but "rememberable" for fans of the musician delivering some of his biggest hits. However, one fan who was in attendance has now spoken about the night.

They also shared how Mike was due to perform again later in the summer. Taking to , a fan said: "More sad news unfortunately, I'm shocked and saddened to learn we've lost Mike Berry quite suddenly, as our mutual pal and his manager Peter Stockton has just posted.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

"I knew Mike for almost 50 years since 1976, one of the nicest guys in the biz always with a laugh and a smile. His excellent sold out show at the Half Moon Putney was only a few weeks ago, he was on terrific form and was due to do another one in the summer. Very, very sad news indeed, RIP Mike you will be missed by everyone who knew you and your music for all these years.."

Meanwhile, more fans have taken to social media to share tributes. One wrote: "Oh no, really, really sad to hear!As you say, a lovely, talented man with a great sense of humour and always fun to be with RIP Mike Berry." A second added: "Bloody hell! A delightful man and someone who we thought would live forever."

"My deepest condolences to Mike Berry family and friends, This truly has been such a sad week with also the sudden passing of Clem Burke, We were so very lucky that we spent a wonderful afternoon at the Half Moon, Putney a couple of months ago, Thanks David Stark for sharing this sad news, much appreciated," said another.

Sharing an anecdote, one fan added: "Not long after I’d started on the switchboard at the NME in 1979, I got tickets to a screening of the movie The Buddy Holly Story at the Kilburn Gaumont State. I remember it being very sparsely attended (maybe because it was a Sunday night) which surprised me as I thought it would've been packed as the film had a great word of mouth and was wonderful.

"But before the film started, the stage rose up from the bowels of the theatre and Mike Berry and the Outlaws came up playing with the gusto of a band whose lives depended on it. I thought they were blinkin; marvellous and of course they did an ace version of 'Tribute to Buddy Holly' amongst many other gems. RIP Mike."

Mike's manager, Peter said in a statement: "It is with the deepest regret that I have to inform everyone that the legendary Mike Berry died peacefully this morning, his family members by his bedside. As we all know, Mike was an amazing, highly talented performer whose career spanned 64 years - his first Hit being the haunting Tribute to Buddy Holly in 1961. His last show on February 23rd at The Half Moon was a sell out, and was testimony to his superb talent.

"He was also a gifted actor, highlighted by his performances in the iconic comedy Are You Being Served. A tragic loss to our of music, and I hope that he is now having a laugh with many of his old pals up in Heaven." Mike was known for his top ten hits Don't You Think It's Time in 1963 and The Sunshine of Your Smile in 1980 before becoming an actor.

But while he never set out to be an actor, dozens of TV adverts paved the new career path for him. His big break came in 1979 when he was cast in Worzel Gummidge. Just two years later, he landed a role in Are You Being Served?, where he stayed until the show wrapped up in 1985.

After his incredible career in music, in 2016, Berry auditioned for the fifth series of The Voice but was not successful. The following year, in 2017, he went on a UK tour with The Solid Gold Rock'n'Roll Show, which featured Eden Kane, Marty Wilde, Mark Wynter, and the Wildcats.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on , , , , , and .