Alabama 3 co-founder Jake Black, aka The Very Reverend D.Wayne Love, has died after falling ill following a festival set.

The singer died in hospital on Tuesday after becoming ill on Friday following the band’s show at the Highpoint Festival in Lancashire.

Possil-born Black founded the band in Brixton in 1995 with singer Rob Spragg, whose stagename was Larry Love. Initially named The First Presleyterian Church of Elvis the Divine, they changed their name to Alabama 3, and as well as signing a recording deal in 1997, garnered a reputation for high-energy live shows, becoming a staple at festivals across the UK and beyond.

The band’s recorded music also bought hem recognition, being featured in films including Gone In 60 Seconds, Football Factory and Definitely, Maybe.

However, they achieved worldwide fame when a remix of ‘Woke Up This Morning’, which Black co-wrote, was used for the opening credits of hit TV series The Sopranos.

In a tribute on social media, the remaining members of the band said: “Early this afternoon, on a beautiful summer’s day, our friend, comrade and spiritual teacher, Jake Black AKA The Very Reverend D.Wayne Love, passed over to the higher ground.

“After a magnificent performance at the Highpoint Festival in Lancashire, D.Wayne in his supreme wisdom, decided it was the appropriate moment for his ascencion into the next level.

“The transition was painless and peaceful. He was surrounded by brothers Larry Love, L.B. Dope, The Spirit, Jonny Jamm and Sister Therese Mullan.

“We are heartbroken.

“All that remains for us, at this moment, is to carry out his precise instructions regarding the continuation of his teachings as a First Minister of The Presleyterian Church of Elvis The Divine, and continue The Great Work.

“His last words, which we have yet to decipher, were ‘Tweet Tweet, Possil Fleet’.”