1980s pop hero dies aged 65

Two albums, international chart success, and an unforgettable ’80s anthem followed as they managed to combine hi-tech and innovation with emotion.

But by 1990, creative differences brought the band to a halt.

His solo album How Many Angels arrived in 1994, featuring collaborations with Lisa Stansfield and tracks originally meant for the unfinished third Living In a Box album. Over the years, Darbyshire continued to write and produce for major artists — from Level 42 to Jennifer Rush — cementing himself as a quiet but powerful force behind the scenes.

According to The Independent, the news of his death was confirmed by his family, and his bandmates honored him with a deeply emotional tribute:

“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.
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.”Continue reading…