by David Redfern/Redferns)
According to The Independent, the news of his death was confirmed by his family, and his bandmates honored him with a deeply emotional tribute:
“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.”
Teaching songwriting
“In some ways Richard was the most reluctant of ‘pop stars’, always eschewing the limelight… 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…”
And they closed with a message that struck every longtime fan in the heart:
“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. Love you man.”
Fans online echoed the sentiment, calling his passing “a sad loss for the music industry” and praising the legacy he leaves behind.
Living In a Box’s classics, “Living in a Box,” “Blow the House Down,” and the beautiful “Room In Your Heart”, remain timeless reminders of the era and of Darbyshire’s unmistakable voice.
Before his passing, he had been teaching songwriting workshops in London, still sharing his craft, still helping others find their musical voice.
He is survived by his wife, Sonia Jones.
For anyone who grew up with neon lights, cassette tapes, and the unmistakable synth-driven soul of the ’80s, it’s a sad reminder that the icons of our childhood are becoming fewer and fewer. Richard Darbyshire may have stepped away from the spotlight, but his music will always echo across the decade that defined him.
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