Richard Darbyshire, the former frontman of 80s pop band Living In A Box, has died at the age of 65.
His family confirmed that Richard died on Monday, November 10, telling the BBC: ‘We are all very sad but his memory and songs will live on.’ No cause of death has been given.
The band were formed in Sheffield in 1985 and Richard performed alongside drummer Anthony ‘Tich’ Critchlow and keyboardist Marcus Vere.
Darbyshire’s former bandmates Critchlow and Vere shared a statement on the band’s Instagram on Tuesday, paying a touching tribute to ‘incredible talent’ Richard.
‘It is with immense sadness that we have to announce the passing of Richard Darbyshire, founder member and lead singer with Living In A Box from 1987 – 1990,’ the band wrote.
‘Richard was an incredible talent – what a voice! His vocal skills knew no bounds, from the driving raw power of our first, eponymous hit song, to the tender heart-melting charm of Room In Your Heart, Richard, truly, could do it all.
Living In A Box singer Richard Darbyshire has died aged 65, (pictured centre alongside bandmates Marcus Vere and Anthony ‘Tich’ Critchlow in 1987)
The band Living In A Box, were formed in Sheffield and earned themselves a worldwide hit with their debut single, which was also called Living In A Box – in 1987
‘His guitar playing, though less recognised, was equally accomplished. As a songwriter, Richard was at the heart of everything we did; a pure craftsman and a master of his art.
‘In some ways Richard was the most reluctant of “pop stars”, always eschewing the limelight that inevitably came with the success that we had. He hated the photo shoots, the interviews, the TV appearances and thought it was all a bit daft.
‘He was happiest in the studio, guitar in hand, working on the next song… Richard, wherever you are, Tich and I will mis you dearly. The laughs we had, the wildcat ride went on, will never be forgotten.’
They added: ‘Love you man, Marcus and Tich xx.’
The band earned themselves a worldwide hit with their debut single, which was also called Living In A Box – in 1987.
They went on to have two further top 10 hits in the UK, with their 1989 single Room in Your Heart reaching No 5 in the charts.
Richard left the band in 1989 after changes at their record label caused artistic differences while the band were recording their third album.
He went on to release a solo record in 1994 and wrote songs for Lisa Stansfield, Jennifer Rush and Level 42.
Darbyshire’s former bandmates Critchlow and Vere shared a statement on the band’s Instagram on Tuesday, paying a touching tribute to ‘incredible talent’ Richard
Richard left the band in 1989 after changes at their record label caused artistic differences while the band were recording their third album (pictured in 2004)
Darbyshire had spent his later years holding songwriting workshops in London and is survived by his wife, vocal coach Sonia Jones (Pictured together)
Despite the band breaking up, some of their songs resurfaced on Darbyshire’s 1994 solo record Better to Have Lost, the BBC reports.
Living In A Box reformed in 2016 with replacement vocalist Kenny Thomas, and they are currently touring with their third singer Bryan Chambers.
Darbyshire had spent his later years holding songwriting workshops in London.
He is survived by his wife, vocal coach Sonia Jones.
Fans of the star were quick to pay tribute, commenting on Living In A Box’s statement on Instagram.
They wrote: ‘Oh no! Very sad news indeed. I’ll never forget when he and I were in my greenhouse at 4 in the morning singing Little Feat’s Willing. What a voice he had. My thoughts are with you guys and his family. RIP Richard. X,’;
‘I am really sad to hear this… I loved LIAB back in the day. Scales of Justice is one my fav songs. Love to you both and Richard’s family ❤️,’;
‘Man so sorry to hear this. What a voice. I just played a sound clash of rockers revenge and living in a box a few weeks back on my radio show and richard stood up well to donnie. May he rest in peace and condolences to his family and friend. X,’;
Fans of the star were quick to pay tribute, commenting on Living In A Box’s statement on Instagram
‘So so sorry to hear this sad news, such an amazing voice. 65 is no age. Thinking of his family, friends, fans at this difficult time,’;
‘I was hoping this wasn’t true when I heard from a friend, thinking of you all and Richard’s family at this sad time ❤️,’;
‘This is extremely sad news. Rest in peace Richard ❤️,’; ‘A very sad and tragic news, no words. Rest in peace Richard ❤️❤️,’;
‘What a talent, gone so soon. I’m so sorry for your loss, Marcus and Tich. May it provide solace that Richard will continue to live on in those soulful and slinky tracks that you three created,’;
‘Oh no sad news sorry for your loss thinking of you all and his family. R.I.P Richard. x,’; ‘This is so sad. Rest in peace Richard. Soundtrack to my childhood.’
