Blancmange star Stephen Luscombe dead: Bandmate Neil Arthur is ‘heartbroken’ as he pays tribute

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Stephen Luscombe, the keyboardist for the 80s band Blancmange, has passed away at the age of 70. His bandmate, Neil Arthur, shared the news and a tribute on Instagram on Sunday.

Stephen and Neil worked together for many years and became popular in the 1980s with songs like “Living on the Ceiling,” “Waves,” “Blind Vision,” and “Don’t Tell Me.”

Neil shared an old black and white photo of Stephen, writing a message saying he was heartbroken and would love him forever after his passing.

Fans expressed their sadness and condolences online after hearing the news, writing messages like ‘This is terrible, and we’re so sorry for your loss, Neil.’ They sent their love and support to his family and friends.

Our hearts go out to Stephen’s family and friends. He will be deeply missed. Sending condolences to Neil and the entire band. Stephen’s incredible music with Blancmange will live on forever.

Formed in 1979, the band released three albums during the 1980s: Happy Families, Mange Tout, and Believe You Me.

Oh my gosh, it was heartbreaking when they broke up back in ’86! I honestly thought I’d never hear them together again. But then, a miracle! They got back together in the late 2000s, and I was ecstatic! And then… *Blanc Burn*! Their fourth album finally dropped in 2011, and it was everything I’d hoped for and more. I still listen to it constantly!

After Blanc Burn was released, Stephen had to leave the band because he wasn’t feeling well, but Neil kept performing.

In 2012, Stephen had to cancel some concert dates due to a problem with his aorta, a major blood vessel in the abdomen.

Ignoring that would have been a mistake, and it wouldn’t have been right to leave the team worrying about it.

It’s a condition I inherited, and a recent scan confirmed it hasn’t gotten any better, so I won’t be able to join the next trip, unfortunately.

After Stephen departed, Neil kept making music as Blancmange, relying on studio musicians to help with recording and performances.

Neil shared in 2022 that he and Stephen usually stay in touch through texts, emails, and phone calls, with occasional visits. However, Stephen has recently become very ill.

‘I love him dearly, I’m just hoping he gets better very soon.’

Neil shared that he and Stephen are still very proud of their first album, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

He fondly remembered the experience, expressing pride in the work he and Stephen created alongside the talented producer, Mike Howlett.

Looking back, even if that had been our only album, it was an incredible journey. It’s hard to believe it’s been 40 years since we made it.

Stephen has shared that he’s inspired by artists like Brian Eno, Can, Captain Beefheart, and Frank Zappa.

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2025-09-14 19:03