Tony Hadley and Spandau Ballet have paid tribute to "marketing and promotional genius" Alfredo Saitto following his death. Taking to Facebook, the singer, 65, shared an emotional post alongside a picture of Alfredo, writing: "Without Alfredo Saitto, I'm not sure Spandau Ballet would have been so successful in Italy? He blindly believed in us and never stopped supporting the band, his dedication finally paid off with our first big hit in Italy, 'I'll Fly for You'! What a lovely, kind man. My condolences to his family and friends. Love Tone xx."

The band, which alongside Tony comprised brothers Gary and Martin Kemp, Steve Norman and John Keeble, also paid tribute on their official Facebook page, writing: "So sad to hear of the passing of Alfredo Saitto, a great man and a great friend of Spandau Ballet. His passion for and belief in the band were coupled with a great determination to help make them successful in Italy, which he did! He was a marketing and promotional genius, and he wouldn't take no for an answer. RIP Alfredo, love Spandau Ballet."

Alfredo, who was the son of conductor Aldo Saitto, was 74 at the time of his death. He held many roles in the music industry in Italy throughout his career.

He was the International Artists Promotion Manager and Director International Department at RCA Italy from 1976 until 1985, which is where he encountered Spandau Ballet. Thanks to his efforts, I'll Fly For You reached number six in the Italian charts, marking the band's official breakthrough in the country.

Following his work with RCA, Alfredo spent ten years working as Videomusic marketing consultant & programmer, Head Music & Special Project pan-European SuperChannels in London.

More recently, he spent 12 years as Chief Editor of Culture & Events for Il Tempo newspaper in Rome.

Tony's fans rushed to share their condolences and tributes as he shared the sad news. "Condolences to the family. Rest in peace," one wrote.

"Condolences to the family..R.I.P. Once again, you showed your greatness, Tony Hadley," another added. "You would have been successful anyway. How can you not love Spandau? Condolences to the family," a third penned.

"Thanks to Alberto Saitto, who gave us the opportunity to be close to one of the greatest bands of the '80s, the legendary Spandau Ballet. Rest in peace. Condolences to the family," a fourth chimed in.

Meanwhile a fifth shared: "Just last night in Bertinoro, you talked about 'I'll Fly for You'..."