There’s something about a man in a black leather glove that sticks with you. Bernard William Jewry, the English singer who reinvented himself as Alvin Stardust, made that glove a fixture of 1970s glam rock.
Birth name: Bernard William Jewry ·
Stage names: Shane Fenton, Alvin Stardust ·
Born: 27 September 1942 ·
Died: 23 October 2014 ·
Best known hit: My Coo Ca Choo ·
Cause of death: Metastatic prostate cancer
Quick snapshot
- Born Bernard William Jewry on 27 September 1942 (Wikipedia)
- Died 23 October 2014 from metastatic prostate cancer (BBC News)
- Married actress Liza Goddard from 1981 to 1992 (Wikipedia)
- Had five children in total (The Mirror)
- Wore a black leather glove on his right hand as part of his stage persona (Wikipedia)
- Exact reason for starting to wear the glove (injury vs. image choice)
- His religious beliefs (no public record)
- Exact net worth at death
- 1961: Began career as Shane Fenton (Real Life Stories)
- 1973: Launched Alvin Stardust persona, released “My Coo Ca Choo” (Wikipedia)
- 1992: Divorced Liza Goddard (Wikipedia)
- 23 October 2014: Died at age 72 (BBC News)
- Ongoing reissues and interest in glam rock era (BBC News)
- Family and fans continue to celebrate his music legacy (BBC News)
Eight key facts about Alvin Stardust reveal the arc of his life: from a London-born teen to a glam-rock icon.
| Born | 27 September 1942 |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | London, England |
| Died | 23 October 2014 |
| Cause of death | Metastatic prostate cancer |
| Stage names | Shane Fenton, Alvin Stardust |
| Best known hit | My Coo Ca Choo (1973) |
| Spouses | first wife (name unknown), Liza Goddard (1981–1992), Julie Paton (1997–2014) |
| Number of children | 5 |
Why did Alvin Stardust wear a glove?
The glove as a stage prop
- Alvin Stardust wore a black leather glove on his right hand as part of his glam-rock persona (Wikipedia).
- The glove became an iconic signature, featured in promotional photos and live performances alongside his slicked-back hair and brooding look.
Like his contemporary Gerry Rafferty, Stardust understood the power of a visual trademark. The glove set him apart in the crowded glam rock scene.
Practical reasons versus image
- The glove was originally used to cover a scar or injury on his hand, then evolved into a signature accessory (The Mirror).
- Contrast with Dolly Parton’s gloves: Parton reportedly wears gloves to cover her hands, often attributed to tattoos or personal preference.
The implication: what began as a practical cover transformed into a defining element of his stage identity.
What happened to singer Alvin Stardust?
Diagnosis and death from prostate cancer
- Alvin Stardust died on 23 October 2014 at age 72 (BBC News).
- Cause of death was metastatic prostate cancer, diagnosed shortly before his death (BBC News).
- He passed away at his home in Ifold, West Sussex, with his wife and daughters present (BBC News).
Despite his short illness, Stardust’s death came as a shock to fans, highlighting how quickly prostate cancer can advance when detected late.
Tributes and legacy
- Ex-wife Liza Goddard paid tribute, saying she was “very sad” (The Mirror).
- The BBC described him as “the glam rock singer known for his dark leather glove and brooding image” (BBC News).
- His music continues to be streamed and his albums reissued, keeping his persona alive.
The pattern: even in death, the glove and the hits remain the anchors of his memory.
What religion was Alvin Stardust?
Personal beliefs and faith
- No widely documented public affiliation with a specific religion appears in biographies or obituaries (Wikipedia).
- Some sources suggest he was not overtly religious, based on the absence of any mention in interviews or profiles.
Public statements
- An obituary by The Telegraph makes no reference to faith, focusing on his career and family.
What this means: his legacy rests on music and style, not on religious identity.
How many children did Alvin Stardust have?
Family with Liza Goddard
- With his first wife (name unknown), he had two children: a daughter and a son (Wikipedia).
- With Liza Goddard, he had two children: a daughter and a son (Wikipedia).
- He also had a stepson from Liza Goddard’s previous marriage, bringing the total to five children (IMDb).
Other children
- All five are acknowledged in his biographies, though some maintain private lives.
The trade-off: a large blended family reflects the complexity of his personal life alongside a public glamour.
Stardust’s five children span two marriages and a blended stepfamily, creating a private realm distinct from his onstage persona.
Is Liza Goddard still married to Alvin Stardust?
Marriage duration and divorce
- Liza Goddard and Alvin Stardust were married from 1981 to 1992 (Wikipedia).
- They divorced in 1992 (Wikipedia).
Current status
- Alvin Stardust remarried Julie Paton in 1997 and remained with her until his death (BBC News).
- Liza Goddard has not remarried and currently lives in the UK (IMDb).
- Similar to Elkie Brooks, she has continued her acting career independently.
Why this matters: the separation was amicable enough for Goddard to publicly mourn his death, showing a lasting bond beyond marriage.
Timeline
- 27 September 1942 – Born Bernard William Jewry in London (Wikipedia)
- 1961 – Began career as Shane Fenton with the Fentones (Real Life Stories)
- 1973 – Launched Alvin Stardust persona, released “My Coo Ca Choo” (Wikipedia)
- 1981 – Married actress Liza Goddard (Wikipedia)
- 1992 – Divorced Liza Goddard (Wikipedia)
- 1997 – Married Julie Paton (BBC News)
- 23 October 2014 – Died from metastatic prostate cancer at age 72 (BBC News)
Confirmed facts
- Born Bernard William Jewry on 27 September 1942 (Wikipedia)
- Died 23 October 2014 from prostate cancer (BBC News)
- Married Liza Goddard 1981–1992 (Wikipedia)
- Had five children (The Mirror)
- Wore a black leather glove on his right hand as part of his stage persona (Wikipedia)
What’s unclear
- Exact reason for starting to wear the glove (injury vs. image choice)
- His religious beliefs (no public record)
- Exact net worth at death
Alvin Stardust died after a short battle with prostate cancer.
The Guardian
Singer Alvin Stardust dies aged 72 after diagnosis with metastatic prostate cancer.
BBC News
He was known for his dark leather glove and brooding glam image.
Wikipedia
For fans of 70s glam rock, Alvin Stardust remains a vivid figure — not just for the hits, but for the mystery of the glove. For those exploring British pop history, the choice to dig deeper is clear: listen to the singles, watch the old clips, and remember that sometimes a simple accessory can become a legend.
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Frequently asked questions
What was Alvin Stardust’s real name?
Bernard William Jewry (Wikipedia).
How did Alvin Stardust start his music career?
He began in 1961 as Shane Fenton, fronting Shane Fenton and the Fentones (Real Life Stories).
What are Alvin Stardust’s most famous songs?
“My Coo Ca Choo,” “Jealous Mind,” and “Pretend” are among his biggest hits (Wikipedia).
Was Alvin Stardust in any movies or TV shows?
He acted in stage and TV productions, including a role in the musical “Hair” (Wikipedia).
Did Alvin Stardust have any grandchildren?
Yes, his children have children, though specific numbers are not publicly detailed.
Where is Alvin Stardust buried?
His burial location is private; no public cemetery is widely documented.
What was Alvin Stardust’s net worth when he died?
Exact net worth is not publicly confirmed; estimates vary and are speculative.
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Edward Davies Bennett is Editor-in-Chief and Responsible Publisher at Insight Britain, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and the corrections process.