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Richard Darbyshire, who fronted the Eighties group Living In a Box, has died at the age of 65.
Living In a Box formed in 1987 and had a number of high-charting singles, including their self-titled debut release. Darbyshire left the band in 1989.
The singer’s family confirmed his death to the BBC and the band has now paid tribute.
A post, signed off by drummer Anthony “Tich” Critchlow and keyboardist Marcus Charles Vere, read: “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.”
“In some ways Richard was the most reluctant of ‘pop stars’, always eschewing the limelight that inevitably came with the success we had,” they continued. “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 miss you dearly. The laughs we had, the wildcat ride we went on, will never be forgotten. Love you man.”
Fans have shared tributes online with one labelling Darbyshire’s death “a sad loss for the music industry”. “His talent and contributions to the industry will always be remembered,” added another.
Living In a Box’s self-titled single peaked at number five in the charts after its 1987 release and in the same year, they released an album which also shared the title.
Their other singles included “Bow the House Down” and “Room In Your Heart”, which peaked at 10 and five in the charts, respectively.
Living In a Box split after Darbyshire left in 1990. He went on to release his own solo album, How Many Angels, and wrote tracks for the likes of Lisa Stansfield and Jennifer Rush.
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The band reformed in 2016 with soul singer Kenny Thomas replacing Darbyshire on vocals. They are now touring with another singer, Bryan Chambers.
According to reports, Darbyshire was teaching song-writing workshops in London prior to his death. He is survived by his wife, Sonia Jones.
