Richard Darbyshire dead: Living in a Box singer dies as band issue heartfelt statement

Living in a Box singer Richard Darbyshire has died aged 65.

The former singer from the 80s pop band passed away on Monday, his heartbroken family confirmed.

In 1985, Darbyshire became the vocalist/guitarist for the fledgling band, which included drummer, Anthony ‘Tich’ Critchlow, and keyboardist, Marcus Vere.

Formed in Sheffield, they scored a worldwide hit with their debut single – also called Living In A Box – in 1987.

He left the band in 1989 after personnel changes at the band’s record label caused artistic differences during the recording of their third LP.

In a statement on the band’s social media, Marcus and Tich wrote: “It is with immense sadness that we have to announce the passing of Richard Darbyshire, founder member and lead singer with Living In A Box from 1987-1990.

“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. 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.”
The post was ended with the sign off: “Love you man, Marcus and Tich xx”

Richard went on to make solo music including his debut How Many Angels was released in 1994. Singer Lisa Stansfield co-wrote two of the songs titled “This I Swear” and “Tell Him No”, and sang backing vocals on the album.

How Many Angels also featured songs originally written for Living in a Box’s third album, and new songs written by Darbyshire and Frank Musker.

The musician died on Monday 10 November, his family confirmed to the BBC, adding: “We are all very sad but his memory and songs will live on.”

No cause of death was given.

Living in a Box reformed in 2016 with replacement vocalist Kenny Thomas, and are currently touring with their third singer Bryan Chambers.

Before his death, Darbyshire had been holding songwriting workshops in London. He is survived by his wife, the vocal coach Sonia Jones.

Tributes from fans on X, formerly twitter, included one fan who said: “Another sad loss for the music industry with the announcement that original Living In A Box frontman Richard Darbyshire has passed away. Give one of their hits a spin today. R.I.P. Richard Darbyshire.”

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Source: Mirror