Stephen Luscombe, co-founder of Blancmange, has died aged 70.
With Neil Arthur, Luscombe formed the pop duo in 1979. They appeared on the legendary “futurist” Some Bizzare compilation album, alongside Soft Cell and Depeche Mode, but quickly carved their own identity. Luscombe’s keyboards supplied atmosphere and colour that went beyond the blip-bleep tones of other electronic acts.
Blancmange bothered the charts with dramatic singles, including “Living on the Ceiling,” “Waves,” “Blind Vision,” and “Don’t Tell Me.” Albums Happy Families and Mange Tout were essential listening for synth fans. Momentum faded after the third LP, Believe You Me, and the band split in 1986.
Blancmange reunited for 2011’s Blanc Burn, but an abdominal aortic aneurysm forced Luscombe to step back soon after. Arthur carried on with the project with the assistance of ther musicians, as Luscombe was unable to return to active duty.
Luscombe will also be remembered for his part in the West India Company – a collaboration with Vince Clarke, Asha Bosle, and Pandit Dinesh. The group’s 1984 debut single, “Ave Maria,” remains a classic of leftfield pop.