Pitney’s ‘get better’ message to Almond

SOFT Cell singer Marc Almond received a message of support from past recording partner Gene Pitney yesterday as he fought for his life after a motorcycle crash.

American crooner Pitney, whose duet with Almond of his song Something's

Gotten Hold Of My Heart became one of the biggest-selling single records of 1990 and gave Pitney his first number one hit in the UK, paid tribute to the singer's "tremendous talent".

He said news Almond's condition had stabilised was "terrific" and he hoped he would be fit enough to go back to work soon.

But Pitney jokingly warned his former duet partner Almond with who he earned the tag "The Odd Couple" after they performed their duet dressed contrastingly in a white tuxedo and black leather to stay away from motorcycles.

In a message of support, Pitney said: "I just heard the good news that they said you were in a stable condition, which is terrific.

"I just want you to get out of there and get back to what you do great. You are a tremendous talent. And stay off motorcycles!" his statement to Independent Radio News said.

Almond, 48, suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle crash in central London on Sunday.