Blancmange member Stephen Luscombe has passed away, prompting his bandmate Neil Arthur to honor the musician. Stephen and Neil formed a successful duo in the 1980s, achieving fame with hit songs like Living on the Ceiling, Waves, Blind Vision, and Don’t Tell Me.

During the 80s, the band released three studio albums – Happy Families, Mange Tout, and Believe You Me. Although they split in 1986, they reunited in the late 2000s to produce their fourth album, Blanc Burn, in 2011. Stephen later departed due to health reasons.

Neil continued performing solo under the Blancmange name. In a brief statement to the Mirror, he expressed his sadness, saying, “Heartbroken. RIP Stephen. Love you forever.”

A New Wave fan page also paid tribute to Stephen, offering condolences to Neil Arthur and their families, friends, and fans. Fans shared their memories and grief, acknowledging Stephen’s contribution to music.

Blancmange was founded in 1979 in Harrow by Neil, Stephen, and Laurence Stevens. After Laurence’s departure, the remaining duo crafted iconic tracks that gained attention.

The band’s name was inspired by a dessert. Their breakthrough came with the track Sad Day on the Som Bizarre Album, leading to a record deal with London Records. Health issues forced Stephen to retire from music.

In 2012, Stephen disclosed his health challenges, citing an abdominal aortic aneurysm that prevented him from touring. Neil continued Blancmange’s music with session musicians after Stephen’s departure.

Stephen had a diverse range of musical influences, including Brian Eno, Can, Captain Beefheart, and Frank Zappa.