Liverpool singer Cy Tucker, who performed with The Beatles, has died after suffering from suspected coronavirus , his “devastated” family said.
The grandad, 76, “who touched many lives through music” died in the early hours of Tuesday at the Royal Liverpool Hospital after falling ill with symptoms one week ago.
Hugely popular Cy has been described as a “Liverpool legend” by friends and was well-known for his musical talent.
A close friend of Cy’s, Arthur Kerevan, 69, said the Anfield-born musician started showing coronavirus symptoms after playing a gig last Saturday.
It is thought Cy is the first person in Liverpool to die after suffering from coronavirus symptoms.
Speaking to the ECHO , Cy’s family said: “As a family we are devastated at the sudden loss of our husband, father-in-law, grandad, brother and friend who touched so many lives through music.
“To the city of Liverpool he was Cy Tucker, but to us he was our world.
“He forever doted on his family, especially his wife, children and grandchildren, who he always showered with affection.
“He had a smile that could light up the darkest of rooms and his witty personality would charm all he came across.”
Arthur said the father-of-three “always had a smile on his face” and was a legend in Liverpool.
He said: “I only found out this morning. My brain’s frazzled and it’s hard to think, it’s just so sad.”
Cy’s family said they have been overwhelmed with tributes to the musician.
They said: “Despite the pain and sadness, we have been comforted by the endless amount of messages we have received from those who watched him perform in many of Liverpool’s pubs and clubs for over 60 years.
“Performing on stage, be it big or small, was his great passion and he would never be afraid to get up and sing, even on family holidays.”
Arthur said: “The fact that he’s gone at this time is so sad, because I think if it was normal times Liverpool would have lined the streets, because he was literally that big.
“He was from the sixties, but he didn’t stay in the sixties. He just kept going and he went with the times.”
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Arthur said Cy was deemed as “high risk” to the virus because he had previous heart problems, diabetes and over 70.
Cy was admitted to hospital on Thursday with concerns, he added, before he was sent home on Saturday evening. The family had to call an ambulance on Sunday, however.
Arthur added: “His wife and daughter were with him when he died, then it was confirmed he had the virus.”
At this sad time Cy’s family have appealed to people to be cautious about the dangers of coronavirus.
They added: “What makes his loss even more heart-breaking is the fact that it could have been so easily avoided had it not been for coronavirus.
Liverpool coronavirus testing
“In less than a week we have gone from having a healthy and energetic man to one who is no longer here.
“We urge people to follow government advice and do what is necessary so not many families have to experience this nightmare.”
Speaking about Cy’s musical career, Arthur said “He worked with all The Beatles, Cilla Black, he was big in the sixties. He probably started singing when he was 10 or 11.
“By 12 or 13 he was singing in pubs and getting paid in cigarettes, then he just went to other things.
“I joined him in 1982 but the sixties were when he got quite big. He’s a legend in Liverpool because of his voice."
