New Romantic icon Steve Strange dies

Steve Strange, the lead singer of 1980s pop band Visage and a pioneer of the New Romantic movement, has died at the age of 55.

The Welshman’s record label says the colourful star – best known for his hit Fade To Grey – died in hospital in Egypt, following a heart attack. He had suffered ill health before. Last December he was hospitalised in Bridgend, Wales, after being diagnosed with a bronchial infection and an intestinal blockage.

Strange was a talismanic figure in the 1980s, managing the Blitz club in Soho, which became the heartland of the New Romantic movement. Acts such as Spandau Ballet, Duran Duran and Culture Club got their first break on its hallowed stage. David Bowie was a regular guest.

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His former Visage bandmates Midge Ure and Rusty Egan said they were "devastated" to hear of his "untimely passing”. In a statement they added: "Steve was a major face of the 80s."

Boy George tweeted that he was "heartbroken" at the news, saying Strange was "such a big part of my life". Duran Duran singer Simon Le Bon wrote that Strange was "the leading edge of New Romantic. God Bless him".

His agent, Pete Bassett, said Strange would be remembered as "a hard-working, very amusing and lovable individual who always was at the forefront of fashion trends".

Strange was born Steven John Harrington in Newbridge, Monmouthshire in 1959. He became involved in the music business in the 1970s via the punk rock scene. For many years he battled with heroin addiction.