Tributes to singer Cocker

Former Beatle Paul McCartney has led tributes to rock and blues singer Joe Cocker, who has died at the age of 70.

Cocker, who was born in Sheffield and had a career spanning more than 50 years, died after a battle with lung cancer.

He was perhaps best known for his cover of The Beatles’ song ‘With A Little Help From My Friends, which reached number one in the UK in 1968.

Paul said: “It’s really sad to hear about Joe’s passing. He was a lovely northern lad who I loved a lot and, like many people, I loved his singing

“I was especially pleased when he decided to cover With A Little Help From My Friends and I remember him and (producer) Denny Cordell coming round to the studio in Savile Row and playing me what they’d recorded and it was just mind-blowing, totally turned the song into a soul anthem and I was forever grateful for him for doing that.

Aerosmith frontman Steve Tyler said: “We loved you forever, we will miss you always. RIP Joe Cocker.”

Batman star Val Kilmer tweeted: “Ah. What a mighty mighty original voice is gone. Joe Cocker one of the all time soul of Rock and Roller Kings will be missed forever.”