Blancmange member Stephen Luscombe has passed away, prompting bandmate Neil Arthur to honor the musician. The duo, known for hits like Living on the Ceiling and Blind Vision, gained fame in the 1980s.
During the 80s, Blancmange released three successful studio albums – Happy Families, Mange Tout, and Believe You Me. Although they disbanded in 1986, they reunited in the late 2000s to produce their fourth album, Blanc Burn, in 2011. Stephen’s departure followed soon after due to health issues.
Neil continued performing under the Blancmange name alone. He recently expressed his grief over Stephen’s death, referring to him as a beloved member of the group.
Fans and colleagues alike paid tribute to Stephen, acknowledging his contributions to the music industry. Blancmange, formed in 1979, was initially a trio but continued as a duo after one member’s departure.
The band’s name was inspired by a dessert, and their breakthrough came with the release of their first EP, Irene and Mavis, in 1980. Stephen’s health challenges eventually led him to step back from the music scene.
Despite setbacks, Blancmange persevered, with Neil carrying the torch as the sole remaining founding member. Stephen’s departure did not deter the band’s commitment to their music.
Stephen’s musical inspirations included prominent figures like Brian Eno and Frank Zappa. His legacy lives on through Blancmange’s music and the impact he had on the industry.