Tributes paid to legendary Alexander Brothers entertainer Tom Alexander

Scots entertainer Tom Alexander, one half of the Alexander Brothers, has died at the age of 85.

The accordion player began his career in showbiz in the 1950s, becoming a hit in music halls and theatres across Scotland and beyond.

He and brother Jack, who died in 2013, were awarded MBEs in 2004 for services to entertainment in Scotland.

A statement posted online by Ayr Gaiety Theatre said: “We received some very sad news today. One of our legendary performers of The Gaiety’s golden era of showbiz, Tom Alexander, has sadly passed away.

“Tom will be greatly missed and our sincere condolences go out to his family, friends and fans.”

We received some very sad news today. One of our legendary performers of The Gaiety’s golden era of showbiz, Tom Alexander, has sadly passed away.
Tom will be greatly missed and our sincere condolences go out to his family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/wlOiA7jUFu

— The Gaiety (@AyrGaiety) January 9, 2020

Sad to hear of the passing of Tom Alexander of the Alexander Brothers – here he is, minus accordion, striding through the heather with brother Jack for the opening credits of their STV show in 1967:

🎥 https://t.co/hcUt45YHC5 pic.twitter.com/pbzQbap1js

— National Library of Scotland at Kelvin Hall (@nlskelvinhall) January 10, 2020

Born in Wishaw, Tom and Jack debuted together in a summer show at Webster Hall in Arbroat in 1958.

They had their first big hit with 1964 single Nobody’s Child, which outsold The Beatles in Scotland.

The brothers would go on to have a long and enduring career, still performing up until close to Jack’s death.

The duo played Sydney’s famous Opera House and even starred alongside Shirley Bassey at London’s Palladium in the 1960s.

They hosted STV’s The Alexander Brothers show throughout the 1960s and 70s as well as appearing on the channel’s show Thingummyjig.