Stephen Luscombe, a founding keyboardist of the influential 1980s synth-pop band Blancmange, has died at the age of 70, prompting heartfelt tributes from bandmate Neil Arthur and fans.

Luscombe's death was confirmed by Neil Arthur, who expressed deep emotional sorrow and paid tribute to his longtime friend and bandmate.

Born in Middlesex in 1954, Luscombe studied at the University of Westminster's Harrow School of Art and formed Blancmange in 1979 with Neil Arthur and Laurence Stevens.

Blancmange achieved fame in the early 1980s with hits like 'Living on the Ceiling' and 'Blind Vision,' and their debut album 'Happy Families' reached the UK top 40.

The band released several successful albums, including 'Mange Tout' and 'Believe You Me,' before disbanding amicably in 1986 after their 1985 album underperformed.

Despite the breakup, Blancmange reformed in the late 2000s, releasing 'Blanc Burn' in 2011, but Luscombe left the band due to health issues.

Luscombe faced health challenges, including an abdominal aortic aneurysm diagnosed in 2012, which limited his ability to perform and tour.

He was also influenced by diverse artists such as Brian Eno, Can, Captain Beefheart, and Frank Zappa, reflecting his broad musical interests.

In May 2025, Blancmange performed their first North American shows in over 40 years, marking a significant comeback, though Luscombe was unable to participate due to health issues.

Neil Arthur continues to perform as Blancmange with session musicians and expressed his heartbreak and love for Luscombe in emotional tributes, including a heartfelt message on Instagram.

Tributes from fans and industry colleagues highlight Luscombe's influence and the band's popularity during the 1980s, celebrating his legacy in synth-pop music.