Singer and entertainer Sydney Devine dies aged 81 following illness

Legendary Scottish entertainer Sydney Devine has died at the age of 81.

Best known for his hit Tiny Bubbles, the singer sold millions of records in a career spanning over 60 years.

He had been in hospital in Ayr for several weeks with a chest and lung condition.

The Pavilion Theatre’s Iain Gordon posted to Facebook: “This is probably the hardest thing that I have ever had to announce and put on social media, this morning at 3:30am, our friend and star of the Pavilion and Scottish legend Sydney Devine has passed away.

“I have worked with Sydney and the band since 1976 and have to say, I have never seen a bad performance, he was the ultimate showman and performer. That is truly hard to find in this business.

“Syd always took time for everyone, fans, staff and other performers. I just texted him at 8.27am this morning wishing him well and hoped that he had had a better week.

“He was one of the Pavilion Family and is a great loss to everyone who followed him over the years. Generations of families have grown up with Sydney, playing his music and passing it down through the generations.

“Over the years, we have seen parents bringing their kids to see him and in turn, they would bring their kids to the annual “Sydney Devine Weekend”.

“Our condolences to Shirley and all the family at this time.”

Nicola Sturgeon was among others to pay tribute to Devine, tweeting: “So sad. For Scots of a certain vintage – which definitely includes me – the name Sydney Devine was once synonymous with Scottish entertainment. A true legend. My condolences to his loved ones.”

Scottish Labour’s Monica Lennon said: “Sad to hear that the legendary Sydney Devine has passed away. A star of the Glasgow Pavilion and one of Scotland’s most successful entertainers, he will be sorely missed. Thoughts with his family and friends.”

Radio Scotland’s Bryan Burnett tweeted: “Sad to hear this. Like so many families in Scotland we grew up with his LPs. Sydney is one of the reasons why country music is so well loved in Scotland. He took those songs and made them his own.”

We are very sad to hear of the passing of Scottish showbiz legend Sydney Devine MBE. A regular @AyrGaiety, he was a much-loved performer, showman and friend of the theatre.

Our deepest condolences to Shirley and all the family at this sad time. pic.twitter.com/4vEjgjRw5H

— The Gaiety (@AyrGaiety) February 13, 2021

Devine’s live performances have been less frequent in recent years, but he has kept recording.

He had just released a poignant new song paying tribute to healthcare workers ahead of the launch of his 51st album.

It includes the lyrics: “In Scotland we all salute you, You are all heroes to me, You are heroes and we love you, You will always be here for me, The NHS and all frontline workers, You’re all heroes to me.”

In an interview with The Sunday Post in 2017, he said: “The theatre has only been around for 113 years and I have played there at almost half of them. It’s frightening really.”