Dexy’s Midnight Runners founder Andy Leek dies aged 66 after lengthy Parkinson’s battle
Andy Leek, a founding member of Dexys Midnight Runners, has died aged 66 following a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease.
The keyboard player and pianist, who joined the Birmingham rockers in 1980, passed away on November 3 at Goscote Hospice.
His death was confirmed by his partner Deborah Smith Lawrence, who had married him just days before his passing.
Leek had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2008 at the age of 49 and battled the condition for nearly two decades.
He performed as the band’s pianist on early recordings, including their hit single, Geno.
He famously departed the group just as Geno was reaching number one in the charts.
Speaking to Record Mirror at the time, Leek explained his departure, saying: “I really hated being famous all of a sudden.”
His discomfort with sudden fame led him to express that it shouldn’t impact his value as an artist.
After leaving Dexys Midnight Runners, Leek embarked on a successful solo career.
His single Say Something achieved notable success, reaching number one in Lebanon during the civil war.
His musical legacy continued through his later works, including the albums Waking Up the World and Eternity Beckons.
His widow Lawrence described him as “a phenomenal person” who was “fiercely creative, passionate and intelligent.”
Just days before his death, Leek married his partner of 35 years at Walsall Manor on October 30.
The couple had originally planned a Christmas wedding but brought the ceremony forward.
In a heartfelt Facebook tribute, Deborah wrote: “I cannot convey how bittersweet this is, to have married and to have lost the love of my life within one week.”
She described him as her “soulmate, husband and best friend” in the emotional post.
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Throughout his battle with Parkinson’s disease, Leek remained dedicated to his music.
His response to the 2008 diagnosis was to channel his energy into creating new music, resulting in the album Waking Up the World.
Lawrence shared that he faced his condition “with consummate grace and grit.”
He received care at Derby, with Deborah expressing gratitude to the medical team, saying: “I pray you know how much your care meant to us both and that Andy loved you all.”
