Legendary British vocalist Alex Ligertwood, one of the celebrated singers fronting rock band Santana, has died aged 79. The heartbreaking news was confirmed by his family, who released an official statement. His daughter, Merci, broke the news just weeks after his final stage appearance. The star "passed peacefully in his sleep with his doggy Bobo by his side" at his Santa Monica home. His wife, Shawn Brogan, also posted a statement on Facebook, which read: "Alex was loved by so many".

She accompanied the post with photographs of the beloved musician. "If you knew him, you loved him. He touched so many with his extraordinary voice. He was all heart and soul." Brogan revealed that Ligertwood's "favourite thing in life was to make music, sing and share his gift." She reflected fondly on Ligertwood's final performance just a few weeks prior, adding, "I'm grateful for that. He did it his way, on his terms, till the end," reports Daily Star.

She brought the devastating statement to a close with the words, "I will always love you, my sweet Alex," and requested that fans keep both herself and her children in their prayers.

Tributes have begun flooding in from friends and fellow musicians. Guitarist Brandon Paul, who toured alongside him as part of Icons of Classic Rock, paid tribute to the "a world-class professional."

He said: "His voice was a force of nature – soulful, from the heart, and legendary every single night. Beyond the music, he was an amazing human being and a dear friend.

"Having a vocalist who worked with icons like Carlos Santana and Jeff Beck compliment my guitar playing is something I will carry with me forever."

Other admirers highlighted the "pioneering" band that Ligertwood played a key role in shaping. The vocalist served as Santana's lead singer on five separate occasions between 1979 and 1994.

He lent his voice to the iconic albums Marathon, Zebop!, Shango and Sacred Fire: Live in South America.