MUSICIAN Colin Vearncombe, known as Black, is in a coma in hospital following a car accident in county Cork.
The singer from Liverpool, who had a global hit in 1987 with Wonderful Life, is said to be critically ill after suffering a serious head injury in the crash on Sunday.
The 53-year-old has sustained swelling on his brain and is in intensive care.
"It's a waiting game," his spokeswoman said.
Black's management paid tribute to all those who have expressed concern and sent get-well messages.
"Thank you to everyone who has posted, messaged, emailed and texted. Please keep doing it as his family are deeply moved and helped by your support and love," they said.
Black's wife Camilla and three sons have been at his bedside since.
He was due to become a grandfather on St Patrick's Day with the expected birth of his eldest son's child.
The crash occurred as he drove on his own from his home in Schull, west Cork, to catch a flight from Cork Airport to Edinburgh for a songwriting trip.
The management team added: "He is surrounded by warmth, love and the best possible care."
Hundreds of fans have written messages of support on the musician's website.
Best known for the 1980s singles Sweetest Smile and Wonderful Life, Black has released 15 albums under his own name and also published poetry and staged exhibitions of his paintings in Ireland, where he has lived for more than 10 years.
