Tributes have flooded in following the death of “Widnes legend” Johnny Rocco best known for his larger-than-life appearances on The X Factor.
His family told the ECHO the veteran crooner passed away peacefully at home on Saturday.
He was 81.
A short statement issued by his son John Johnson said his father was a “kind, generous man, a father, grandfather, (and) great-grandfather” who “did Widnes proud by appearing on X Factor” and “raised lots of money for charities”.
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John added his father will be “sorely missed”.
Best known for putting a “mafia curse” on ITV X Factor judge Louis Walsh and telling him “you’re talking stupid” in 2007, before returning to face the panel in 2013 only to have a pen thrown at him by Sharon Osborne in 2013 for disputing Ozzy’s singing, Johnny’s singing career spanned decades.
He told the ECHO in 2019 that one of his highlights was performing at The Cavern, where he said punters were chanting “there’s only one Johnny Rocco” at his appearance.
Ahead of some of his returns to the stage, Johnny would declare that “Elvis is back in the building’.
Johnny spoke out the same year to quash a false rumour he had died following a short illness that led to premature speculation regarding his health.
His renown in Widnes was such that in 2017, his name featured among the names recommended by the public to have the honour of opening the Mersey Gateway bridge.
In recent years, he spoke of his sense of spirituality and eagerness to raise money for charity, and Johnny managed to send Christmas cards during the recent festive period, including to the ECHO.
Tributes have poured in on social media.
One Facebook user said: “RIP Jonny, always had time to talk, a great Widnes character, will be sadly missed. Sincere condolences to all the family.”
Another remembered him as a “lovely” person who “always had time to talk to you”.
One comment said: “Condolences to the Johnson family, Johnny was such a lovely human being in every way a character that will be surely missed.”
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Former Widnes and Great Britain rugby league player Jim Mills said: “Sad news indeed, Johnny Rocco what a character in the town, only talking to him a month ago in the town and he gave me one of his latest tapes. When I had Toppers (club), Johnny would always give a song or two for the guests on the night.
“He will be greatly missed around the town I’m sure, Rest well Johnny I’ll miss you.”
Others commented that he had moved on to “entertain in Heaven” and another picked up the theme, saying: “They'll all be up late in Heaven partying.”
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