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On this day, 4 April 2006,American singer Gene Pitney played Cardiff’s St David’s Hall. It was to be his last ever performance as he was found dead in his hotel room by his agent the following day.
A spokesman for South Wales Police said that the body had yet to be formally identified. He added: “(The death) is not believed to be suspicious.” The Cardiff coroner has been informed.
Pitney’s tour manager James Kelly said the singer was found dead in his room by long-term friend and agent Geoff Clennell.
“We don’t have a cause of death at the moment but it looks like it was a very peaceful passing,” said Mr Kelly. “He was found fully-clothed, on his back, as if he had gone for a lie-down. It looks as if there was no pain whatsoever, which is nice.”
Mr Kelly added: “It’s terrible news and I’m still shaking. I just can’t believe it. There was no indication anything was wrong. It’s terribly sad.
“It wasn’t like a business relationship (with Gene) - he was a friend and that is why it has hit hard with everybody. It was almost like he had a family going around with him. He was a really nice person.”
Wendy Horton, a journalist who reviewed Pitney’s performance last night for the South Wales Echo newspaper, said that the singer had given one of his best ever shows but had appeared to be in some pain. “He did show a little discomfort on stage, which was well covered by the showman that he is. You could see a slight limp as he walked across the stage.”
She described how after he performed his last song - Town Without Pity - the audience gave him a standing ovation, and scores of fans rushed to the front of the stage to shake his hand and ask him to sign autographs.
“I couldn’t believe (the news of his death),” she said. “Last night at Cardiff he was so alive. When we came out (of the concert) I said ‘My God, he’s really got it all... I’ve seen him six times and I don’t think he’s ever been that enthusiastic’. He just wanted to please - and he did.”
In an interview at Christmas, Pitney spoke of his excitement at taking his show around the UK on the 23-date tour. He denied it was a gruelling schedule, saying: “I take care of myself. I can finish up the tour no problem whatsoever. I love doing what I’m doing - to pick and choose where I want to go and what I want to do.”
The singer was regarded as one of the hardest-working stars in showbusiness. Royalties from his string of hits had made him rich but he continued to perform around the world.
