Fans of ’80s music are mourning the loss of Richard Darbyshire, the soulful frontman of Living In a Box, who has passed away at 65. Known for a “rich, smooth, and effortlessly emotive” voice, Darbyshire could make listeners feel something profound, even if they weren’t sure what.

Born in Stockport, England, and spending part of his youth in Japan, he absorbed soul legends like Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, and Al Green. Back in the UK, he joined bands, studied English literature at Oxford, and built his musical foundation, even writing songs for The Temptations before forming Living In a Box in 1985.

The band quickly gained international fame with two albums and hits such as Living in a Box and Room In Your Heart. Their signature blend of hi-tech production and raw emotion was anchored by Darbyshire’s voice. After the band dissolved in 1990, he continued with a 1994 solo album, How Many Angels, collaborating with artists like Lisa Stansfield, and later wrote and produced for Jennifer Rush and Level 42.

Bandmates honored him as a “reluctant pop star” who disliked photo shoots and interviews but shined in the studio, guitar in hand. “Richard, wherever you are, Tich and I will miss you dearly… Love you man,” they said, reflecting the sentiment shared by fans across social media.

In later years, he taught songwriting in London, passing on his craft to new generations. Survived by his wife, Sonia Jones, Darbyshire leaves behind timeless songs that continue to echo the emotion and spirit of the ’80s.