Photo: Wenn
Visage frontman Steve Strange has died aged 55 after, suffering a heart attack in Egypt.
Marc Green of August Day Recordings revealed the news, saying: "We are extremely saddened to announce that Steve Strange died at 11.15 local time on Thursday February 12 in Sharm el-Sheikh International Hospital, Egypt. Steve died in his sleep of heart failure. Steve's family, band members and friends are all distraught at this sudden news of his untimely death. Steve's family request privacy at this extremely difficult time."
One of the most influential and remarkable architects of the New Romantic movement, Strange co-founded the Blitz club in London's Soho and was instrumental in giving early exposure to Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet and Boy George.
As frontman of Visage, Strange's influence went still further with the band's breakout hit 'Fade To Grey' being inescapable after its release on their debut album in 1980.
Watch: Visage's 'Fade To Grey' music video
A number of those who knew Strange best have paid tribute to him online. "Heartbroken about the death of my friend Steve Strange" said Boy George. "So bloody sad. Such a big part of my life!"
As well as individual statements from band members on twitter, Spandau Ballet said in a statement: "We are devastated at the news of the passing of our dear friend Steve Strange. Steve was a lovely warm, generous, kind-hearted man, always full of fun. Steve was a huge influence on the musical and cultural landscape of the Eighties. He will be sadly missed All our sympathies to Steve’s family."
Billy Idol writes, "Very sad to hear of my friend Steve Strange passing, Rip mate..... Vancouver we rock tonight in memoriam 4 Steve Strange who would b (sic) the first to want the show to go on, he was great!"
Kim Wilde also paid a tribute to the lesser seen side of Strange's life: that as a family man. ''I'm so grateful that life brought Steve and I together, he was funny, great company and completely bonkers in the most adorable way. 'He would often call up for a long chat, and always asked after my husband Hal, and our children Harry and Rose. Steve was a family man first and often spoke of his beloved family in Wales. Steve will be remembered as the most elegant and beautiful of the New Romantics at the beginning of the 80s, and 'Fade To Grey' one of the very best and most influential records of the decade. I shall remember him for his humour and generous spirit; he really was a very lovely man.''
DJ and muse Princess Julia, Strange's friend and accomplice tweeted
Oh the olden days! #SteveStrange you were quite a character RIP I'll never forget you ♡ http://t.co/YPeMHAC0jp
— Princess Julia (@PrincessJulia__) February 12, 2015
Strange starred in the video for David Bowie's "Ashes To Ashes" in 1980, costing £25,000 at the time the most expensive music video of all time.
