SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egpyt (CelebrityAccess) — Steven Strange, best known as the frontman for the 80's New Wave group Visage, died on February 12th after suffering a heart attack in Egypt. He was 55 at the time of his passing.
Marc Green, label manager at August Day Recordings, said: "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."
Best known for his hit song Fade To Grey, Strange, born as Steven John Harrington, started promoting punk shows after seeing a Sex Pistols show at the Castle Cinema in Caerphilly, Wales. As well, Strange joined a number of aspiring bands, including The Moors Murderers and a brief stint with The Photons before he formed Visage.
Visage found some early success on charts in Europe, including their 1980 hit "Fade to Grey" which charted at #1 in Germany and "Mind of a Toy" which peaked at #10 in Germany before the group faded commercially and broke up in 1985. They reformed in 2004, and toured as part of an 80s pop act revival package.
Strange, with Rusty Egan, was also known for establishing the Blitz Club, a weekly club night in London which helped to foster the new romantics scene, helping to launch the careers of groups such as Spandau Ballet and Culture Club. – Staff Writers