Memorials poured in for Stephen Luscombe, the visionary musician behind Blancmange, known for his distinctive Eastern-tinted electronica, following his passing.
In a sad turn of events, Stephen Luscombe, the keyboard player and multi-instrumentalist who was a founding member of the synth-pop band Blancmange, has passed away. The news was confirmed by Neil Arthur, Luscombe's partner in the band, over the weekend.
Luscombe and Arthur formed Blancmange in 1979, and the duo quickly gained recognition in the music industry. They signed to London Records and were included on the 1981 Some Bizarre compilation album alongside notable acts like The The and Soft Cell.
Their breakthrough came in late 1982 when Blancmange hit the Top Ten with "Living On The Ceiling." This was the first of seven Top 40 hits over the next three years for the band. Boy George, a contemporary chart artist, remembered Stephen Luscombe as one of the creators of the seminal electro track.
Blancmange's cover of Abba's "The Day Before You Came" also charted higher than the original.
Neil Arthur posted a tribute to Stephen Luscombe on Facebook, expressing his heartbreak and love. Soft Cell, another synth-pop group, also posted a tribute for Stephen, describing him as a unique, talented, and innovative musician. They expressed their condolences to Stephen Luscombe's family, friends, and Neil Arthur.
Blitzed Magazine, a music publication, also posted a tribute for Stephen, expressing their sadness over his death. Boy George, a contemporary chart artist, also expressed his condolences for Stephen Luscombe's death on Twitter.
It is worth noting that before his time with Blancmange, Luscombe pursued his interest in Indian music in the West India Company, recording with tabla master Pandit Dinesh and Asha Bhosle.
However, Luscombe had to depart the band soon afterwards after suffering an abdominal aortic aneurysm. After the split in 1986, Luscombe and Arthur reunited in 2011 and released the fourth Blancmange album, Blanc Burn.
Blitzed Magazine mentioned that Stephen Luscombe had been suffering from ill health for some time. No specific information regarding the doctor or specialist who treated him before his death, or any specific illness he allegedly had, is currently available.
Our thoughts are with Neil Arthur, the members of Blancmange, and all those who were close to Stephen Luscombe during this difficult time.
