For anyone who grew up loving the electric sound of the ’80s, the name Living In a Box brings an instant rush of nostalgia. Today, fans of that era are mourning the loss of Richard Darbyshire, the band’s soulful frontman, who has passed away at 65. Darbyshire’s voice — smooth, rich, and unmistakably heartfelt — helped define the group’s signature blend of synth-pop and emotional depth. Born in Stockport, England, he spent part of his youth in Japan, where soul legends like Marvin Gaye and Al Green shaped his musical instincts.
After returning to the UK, he studied English literature at Oxford, joined bands, and even wrote songs recorded by The Temptations before stepping into the spotlight. His career changed in 1985 when he joined Living In a Box, named after one of his own songs. With chart-topping hits like Living in a Box, Blow the House Down, and Room In Your Heart, the band became an international success, powered by Darbyshire’s compelling vocals.
After the group split in 1990, he continued writing and producing music, later releasing his solo album How Many Angels and collaborating with artists such as Lisa Stansfield and Jennifer Rush. His bandmates honored him with a heartfelt tribute, praising his extraordinary vocal range, guitar talent, and quiet dedication to the craft.
Fans across the world echoed their grief, calling his passing “a sad loss for the music industry.” In recent years, Darbyshire taught songwriting in London, helping new artists discover their own voices. He is survived by his wife, Sonia Jones.