Richard Darbyshire dead aged 65: Frontman of iconic 1980s band dies as family pay heartbreaking tribute
LIVING in a Box singer Richard Darbyshire has tragically died aged 65.
The former frontman of the 80s pop band passed away yesterday, his heartbroken family confirmed.
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Marcus Vere, British singer Richard Darbyshire, and British drummer Anthony CritchlowCredit: Getty
Darbyshire pictured in 1987Credit: Getty
He joined the band in 1985, alongside drummer Anthony ‘Tich’ Critchlow and keyboardist Marcus VereCredit: Getty
They told the BBC: “We are all very sad but his memory and songs will live on.”
Richard’s cause of death is not known.
He joined the band in 1985, alongside drummer Anthony ‘Tich’ Critchlow and keyboardist Marcus Vere.
Vere and Critchlow were reportedly recording a song when Darbyshire, an independent artist at the time, happened to be visiting the studio.
The band were named after their namesake first release, Living in a Box, which reached number five in the UK in 1987.
It was their biggest hit and also reached Top 20 in the US.
But five years after forming, he dramatically split with the band just before their third album was released.
In 1994, he released his own debut album, How Many Angels, which has since been re-released several times.
The frontman continued to perform and went on to write songs for a number of other artists, including Lisa Stansfield.
In 2016, his former bandmates reformed Living in a Box, bringing in soul singer Kenny Thomas as his replacement.
Richard was born in Stockport, Cheshire, and was brought up in nearby Manchester.
When he became a teenager, he moved with his parents to Japan, attending an American boarding school.
It is understood Richard’s interest in a musical career began early, but he initially took up the clarinet before switching to guitar.
The singer went on to study English Literature at Oxford University.
Richard then joined British band Zu Zu Sharks, going on to release popular hit Love Tumbles Down in 1983.
But he left the band a short while after.
In 1989, Queen icon Brian May appeared on Living in a Box’s second album, Gatecrashing.
The legendary guitarist featured on the track Blow The House Down, which became their final top ten hit.
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In the years before his death, Richard was reportedly teaching songwriting workshops in London.
He is survived by his wife, vocal coach Sonia Jones.
Richard Darbyshire performing on stage in 1989Credit: Getty
