R.I.P. Steve Strange

Steve Strange--lead signer of the 1980s group Visage, night club host and promoter, and all-around inspiration for the New Romantic movement in the 80s--has died at the young age of 55. It is reported that Strange died in his sleep of heart failure at Sharm El Sheik International Hospital, Egypt.

In the late 1970s, Strange and DJ Rusty Egan began a New Romantic night at Blitz, a nightclub in London. It quickly grew to be the place to be, as an alternative to the increasingly stale punk scene.

He was a founding member of the group Visage along with Rusty Egan and Midge Ure who would later go on to front Ultravox. Their hit "Fade To Grey" is a New Romantic classic. Strange (who was born Steven Harrington) was responsible for his own style and ever-changing fashion and make-up. In fact, Strange was more fond of make-up than even Nick Rhodes!

In the above photo, Strange, far left, is seen with bandmates Midge Ure, center and Rusty Egan, right. The group was eventually fleshed out with the additions of keyboardist Billy Currie (also from Ultravox), guitarist John McGeoch (later of Siouxsie and the Banshees and Public Image Ltd.), keyboardist Dave Formula, and bassist Barry Adamson.

Here is the video for their hit "Fade To Grey."

Fade to grey and rest in peace, Steve.

http://www.visage.cc