Key Highlights
- Richard Darbyshire, former frontman of 80s pop band Living In A Box, has died at the age of 65.
- The band had two further top 10 hits in the UK after their debut hit “Living In A Box.”
- Darbyshire’s vocals gave the group a soulful edge, particularly on the ballad “Room In Your Heart.”
- After leaving Living In A Box, Darbyshire went on to write songs for artists including Lisa Stansfield and Level 42.
The Rise of Living In A Box
In the 1980s, Richard Darbyshire rose to fame as the frontman of the pop band Living In A Box. Formed in Sheffield, England, the group quickly gained a following with their soulful and emotionally charged sound. Their debut single, “Living In A Box,” released in 1987, became a worldwide hit, earning them a place on the charts in various countries, including reaching the Top 20 in the United States.
Artistic Differences Lead to Departure
However, internal conflicts within the band led to Darbyshire’s departure from Living In A Box. By 1989, he had left due to creative differences and changes at their record label during the recording of their third album. This marked a significant shift in his career path as he ventured into solo work.
Post-Band Career
After releasing a solo record in 1994, Darbyshire’s talents extended beyond just singing. He became a prolific songwriter, penning hits for other artists such as Lisa Stansfield and Jennifer Rush. His songwriting skills were also recognized by the band Level 42, who utilized his compositions on their albums.
Legacy and Recent Activities
Though he stepped away from the spotlight in recent years, Darbyshire’s impact on the music industry was undeniable. He continued to work behind the scenes as a songwriter and held songwriting workshops in London until his passing. His former bandmates paid tribute to his “incredible talent,” highlighting his versatility as both a vocalist and guitarist.
Darbyshire was born in Stockport, Cheshire, before moving to Japan at 13 to attend an American boarding school.
He later studied English Literature at Oxford University before joining the Manchester band Zu Zu Sharks, where he honed his skills and eventually connected with Marcus Vere and Anthony Critchlow to form Living In A Box.
His contributions to the music industry will be remembered through his songs and the lasting impact they have had on listeners. Darbyshire is survived by his wife, Sonia Jones, a vocal coach, as well as his former bandmates who expressed their deep sadness at losing him but also celebrated his remarkable career and life.
In a statement posted on Instagram, his former bandmates reflected on their shared memories: “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.” Despite his reluctance to embrace fame, Darbyshire’s legacy as a versatile musician will continue to resonate with fans of 80s pop music.
