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Living in a Box star Richard Darbyshire dies, aged 65
12 November 2025, 10:33 | Updated: 12 November 2025, 10:43
Living in a Box pay tribute to founding member and singer Richard Darbyshire.
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Living in a Box founding member Richard Darbyshire has died at the age of 60.
The news of his passing was announced by his surviving original founding bandmates Anthony 'Tich' Critchlow and Marcus Vere.
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"It is with immense sadness that we have to announce the passing of Richard Darbyshire, founding member and lead singer with Living In A Box from 1987-1990," a statement read.
"Richard was an incredible talent - what a voice! His vocal skills knew no bounds, from the driving power of our first, eponymous hit song, to the tender heart-melting charm of Room In Your Heart, Richard, truly, could do it all.
"His guitar playing, tough 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."
It continued: "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 all 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.
Living In A Box - Living In A Box (Official Music Video)
"Love you man, Marcus and Tich xxx"
The band split in 1990, the year after the release of their second album Gatecrashing, which featured Queen's Brian May on hit single 'Blow The House Down'.
He embarked on a solo career, releasing the solo albums How Many Angels, Love Will Provide and This I Swear.
Darbyshire also worked as a songwriter and musician for hire for other artists, including Jennifer Rush, Lisa Stansfield and Level 42.
Living and a Box reformed with the original lineup for the Here and Now tour in 2004, where they played 'Blow the House Down', 'Room in Your Heart' and 'Living in a Box'.
Darbyshire then seemingly stepped back from the music industry and when Living in a Box reformed in 2016, they did so with singer Kenny Thomas. He in turn was replaced by Bryan Chambers in 2022.
