Singer Richard Darbyshire, who was the former frontman of 1980s pop band Living In A Box, has died aged 65.

Living in a Box were formed in 1985 in Sheffield, although Darbyshire was born in Stockport . The group named themselves after the first song they had recorded together in the studio

The Official Instagram account for Living In A Box, shared the details of Richard Darbyshire’s death.

The statement read: “Richard Darbyshire 1960-2025. It is with immense sadness that we have to announce the passing of Richard Darbyshire, founder member and lead singer with Living IN a Vox from 1987-1990.

“Richard was an incredible talent- what a voice! His vocal skills knew no bounds, from the driving raw power of our first, eponymous hit song, to the tender heart-melting charm of Room In Your Head, Richard, truly, could do it all.

“His guitar playing, though less recognised, was equally accomplished. As a songwriter, Richard was at the heart of everything we did; a pure craftsman and a master of his art.

Richard Darbyshire, former frontman of 1980s band Living In a Box, has died. Photo: Getty Images | Getty Images

placeholder image — Richard Darbyshire, former frontman of 1980s band Living In a Box, has died. Photo: Getty Images | Getty Images

“In some ways Richard was the most reluctant of ‘pop stars’, always eschewing the limelight that inevitably came with the success we had. He hated the photo shoots, the interviews, the tv appearances and thought it was a bit daft. He was happiest in the studio, guitar in hand, working on the next song…

“Richard, wherever you are, Tich and I will miss you dearly. The laughs we had, the wildcat ride we went on, will never be forgotten.”

The statement ended with these words: “Love you man, Marcus and Tich xx.”

Following the statement, Steve Norman wrote: “Oh no! Very sad news indeed. I’ll never forget when he and I were in my greenhouse at 4 in the morning singing Little Feat’s Willing. What a voice he had. My thoughts are with you guys and his family. RIP Richard. X,”

Arthur Baker said: “Man so sorry to hear this. What a voice. I just played a sound clash of rockers revenge and living in a box a few weeks back on my radio show and richard stood up well to donnie. May he rest in peace and condolences to his family and friends. X”

Living In a Box, formed in Sheffield, debut single in 1987 also called Living In a Box, was a worldwide hit. According to the BBC,” But he left the band in 1989 after personnel changes at their record label caused artistic differences during the recording of their third album.

“After releasing a solo record in 1994, he went on to write songs for artists including Lisa Stansfield, Jennifer Rush and Level 42.”

Richard Darbyshire was married to vocal coach Sonia Jones. Greatest Hits Radio paid tribute to Richard on Facebook and wrote: “We're saddened to hear about the passing of Living In A Box's Richard Darbyshire. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and fans at this time. .”