Gene Pitney dies on UK tour

Singer Gene Pitney has died in the middle of his UK tour, his agent said today.

The 65-year-old American star was found dead just after 10am today at the Hilton Hotel in Cardiff.

His 40-year career included the hits Twenty-Four Hours From Tulsa and Something’s Gotten Hold Of My Heart.

A spokesman for South Wales Police said: "We've had a report of a death. It is not believed to be suspicious.

“We had the call just before 10.10am. The body, which has not been formally identified yet, was found at the Hilton Hotel in Cardiff.”

Pitney played St David's Hall in Cardiff last night and was due to perform in Bristol tonight.

In an interview at Christmas he spoke of his excitement at taking his show around the UK on a 23-date tour which was due to end later this month.

He denied it was a gruelling schedule, saying: “I take care of myself. I can finish up the tour no problem whatsoever.

“I love doing what I’m doing – to pick and choose where I want to go and what I want to do.”