A rock ‘n’ roller who sang in countless bands and once played with Billy Fury has died.
Peter Hibbert, 69, played with dozens of bands in the 1950s and 60s, including the Dappers, Blue Star Combo, Mark Day and the Knights and later the Accy Rockers.
In 1961 he and his band Lennie and the Teenbeats backed teen idol Billy Fury, then at the height of his fame, at the Barnoldswick Majestic Ballroom.
The grandfather-of-two, who lived at Addison Court in Accrington, developed Alzheimer's disease over the past ten years and died at Royal Blackburn Hospital on Thursday, November 18.
His wife Roseline, 68, of Willows Lane, Accrington, said: "He was singing in pop groups from a young age, he absolutely loved being on stage.
"He really grabbed the audience, he didn't just stand there and sing, he had charisma. It was really sad when he got Alzheimer's and started losing his language, but he still loved music, he had his radio with him all the time."
The pair separated 30 years ago but remained close friends right up to Peter's death.
His brother Roy, 74, of Winterburn Road, Blackburn, said: "He was a great guy. He loved to sing, he appealed to the audience and everybody liked him.
"He was very well known on the circuit and to perform on the same stage as Billy Fury was fantastic, it was a great night.
"I think he would have liked to have taken his singing further but he never seemed to get the right chances."
Mr Hibbert also worked as a painter and decorator and a draughtsman. He leaves daughter Heidi and grandchildren Scott and Charlie. His funeral takes place at 12pm on Monday November 29 at St John’s Church, Addison Street, Accrington, followed by drinks at Grants in Manchester Road.
Everybody who knew Peter is welcome to attend.
