'She's a Mod' songwriter dies

The surviving members of Ray Columbus and the Invaders (from left) Dave Russell, Ray Columbus and Billy Kristian. Photo / Greg Bowker

Veteran Kiwi entertainer Ray Columbus has paid homage to the songwriter of the 1964 hit song She's a Mod, Terry Beale, who has died.

The Ray Columbus and the Invaders song was written by Beale, who was the lead singer and songwriter in a British band called the Senators.

She's a Mod was never a hit for the Senators but Beale's song was offered to the Invaders and became a sensation, reaching number one in New Zealand and Australia.

The song also reached the top 100 in the United States.

Beale died in Redditch in the Midlands last month and Columbus said he was deeply saddened by the news of his friend's passing.

- NZPA