Tributes paid after death of Blancmange keyboardist Stephen Luscombe: “He contributed so much to the great sounds of the early ‘80s”

Tributes have been paid after the death of Blancmange keyboardist Stephen Luscombe, who has died at age 70.

British multi-instrumentalist Luscombe is most widely recognised as the founding member and keyboardist for the ‘80s synth-pop band Blancmange. His death was confirmed by his bandmate Neil Arthur on social media, who shared a post on social media alongside the message: “Heartbroken. RIP Stephen. Love you forever.”

At the time of writing, a cause of death has not been publicly shared; however, is it is worth noting that the keyboardist departed the Blancmange line-up in 2011 after suffering an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Numerous tributes for the artist have been coming in on social media following news of his death. Taking to X/Twitter, Boy George shared, “Yesterday we said goodbye to Stephen Luscombe from @_blancmange_ he was also in ‘The West India Company’ and we went to India together which was amazing.”

After recalling other instances of them working together, Boy George added: “Stephen along with Neil Arthur made one of the most seminal electro tracks. ‘Living On The Ceiling’. I saw them do it live supporting our @erasureinfo last year. Bye Stephen. Legend!”

Yesterday we said goodbye to Stephen Luscombe from @_blancmange_ he was also in ‘The West India Company’ and we went to India together which was amazing. We recorded with legendary Indian singer Asha Bosle who later sang on ‘Bow Down Mister’. We worked with a 100 piece Indian…

— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) September 14, 2025

Also on X, Blitzed Magazine shared: “Very sad to learn that Stephen Luscombe has died. A founder-member of synth-pop outfit Blancmange, he had been suffering from ill health for some time. Our thoughts go out to Stephen’s family and friends at this time.”

One fan posted: “Saw them live a few years ago. One of the most underrated 80s bands! synth-pop legends! RIP. Give them a listen,” while another added: “RIP Stephen Luscombe. I saw Blancmange in 1983 and they were fabulous. One of the great singles bands driven by Stephen’s keyboard wizardry.”

“I was sorry to see Stephen Luscombe has passed away. He contributed so much to the great sounds of the early ‘80s as half of Blancmange. ‘Blind Vision’ is one of the best songs ever,” wrote a third.

Find more tributes below.

Very sad to learn that Stephen Luscombe has died. A founder-member of synth-pop outfit Blancmange, he had been suffering from ill health for some time.

Our thoughts go out to Stephen’s family and friends at this time. pic.twitter.com/efPyZIYY7a

— @blitzedmagazine (@blitzed80smag1) September 14, 2025

Saw them live a few years ago.
One of the most underrated 80s bands! synth-pop legends! RIP Give them a listen! #Blancmange

RIP Stephen Luscombe pic.twitter.com/3eK3ILLrDU

— тν ℓєgѕ (@bejokex) September 15, 2025

RIP Stephen Luscombe. I saw Blancmange in 1983 and they were fabulous. One of the great singles bands driven by Stephen’s keyboard wizardry. This remains one of my favourite TOTP performances.

The Day Before You Came https://t.co/hxALRS6lJz

— Dave Ross (@DaveAmitri) September 14, 2025

Good evening all
Hope you are fit and well and ready for great requests
Sad we lost Stephen Luscombe
Blancmange will never be #forgotten80s

— Anthony Wallace (@Anthony30074048) September 14, 2025

Saddened to hear of passing of Blancmange’s Stephen Luscombe, erstwhile keyboard twiddler who introduced many to Indian music – and made those of us who grew up with it in the house less embarrassed by our parental musical heritage

RIP – he can be heard and seen below https://t.co/8KTkpRZQqf

— Rupa Huq MP (@RupaHuq) September 15, 2025

I was sorry to see Stephen Luscombe has passed away. He contributed so much to the great sounds of the early eighties as half of Blancmange. Blind Vision is one of the best songs ever.

— Eric White (@ectowhite) September 15, 2025

Born in Middlesex in 1954, Luscombe and Arthur formed Blancmange with Laurence Stevens in 1979, although the latter would leave the line-up soon after.

As highlighted by Stereogum, their breakthrough came in 1981 when their song ‘Sad Day’ was featured on a compilation album by the Some Bizarre label, alongside songs from The The, Soft Cell, and Depeche Mode.

Their debut album, ‘Happy Families’ arrived in 1982 and reached the Top 40 on the UK album charts thanks to singles like ‘Feel Me’, ‘God’s Kitchen’ and their biggest hit ‘Living On The Ceiling’.

The follow-up album, ‘Mange Tout’ arrived in 1984 and reached the UK Top 10, however the less positive critical reception to their third album, 1985’s ‘Believe You Me’, led to them breaking up in 1986.

As previously mentioned in Boy George’s tweet, Luscombe’s time away from Blancmange saw him work with various artists for the 1989 album of Indian-influenced music, ‘New Demons’.

The band reformed in 2011 and shared the ‘Blanc Burn’ album in 2011, but Luscombe departed the group after he suffered an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The band kept going as Arthur’s solo project, releasing numerous other albums and playing their first shows in over four decades earlier this year.

The post Tributes paid after death of Blancmange keyboardist Stephen Luscombe: “He contributed so much to the great sounds of the early ‘80s” appeared first on NME.