Stephen Luscombe dead: Blancmange star dies as bandmate pays tribute

Blancmange star Stephen Luscombe has died. His bandmate Neil Arthur confirmed his death in an emotional tribute. The pair shot to fame in the 1980s with their hit singles Living on the Ceiling, Waves, Blind Vision, and Don't Tell Me. During their successful career, they made three studio albums, including Happy Families, Mange Tout, and Believe You Me. The band called it quits in 1986 before reuniting in the 2000s and then releasing another album in 2011. After this release, Stephen Luscombe left the band due to his ill health.

In a statement to The Mirror, Neil said: "Heartbroken. RIP Stephen. Love you forever." Another fan typed online: "R.I.P. Steven thanks for the great memories and music," and one commented: "RIP Stephen. Thanks for the memories."

A second also commented: "Sorry to hear about the loss of Stephen Luscombe from Blancmange. His synth pop sat very comfortably with my Peter Gabriel - Pet Shop Boys cross over period. Fabulous band."

A third fan also mourned: "Sad news this afternoon. Blancmange were a real favourite of mine back in the day. Living On The Ceiling especially is an absolute 80's classic. R.I.P. Stephen Luscombe."

Blitzed Magazine said on X: "Very sad to learn that Stephen Luscombe has died. A founder-member of synth-pop outfit Blancmange, he had been suffering from ill health for some time. Our thoughts go out to Stephen's family and friends at this time."

The band Blancmange was formed in 1979 in Harrow, London, by Neil, Stephen, and Laurence Stevens. Laurence left the band after it was formed, so it became a duo. The band's name is inspired by the dessert of the same name.

In 2012, Stephen admitted that he was unable to perform on a number of tour dates because of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.