Visage Frontman Steve Strange Dies at the Age of 55

New Romantic pioneer Steve Strange has died of a heart attack in Egypt at the age of 55, his record label said.

The Welsh pop singer found fame in the 1980s as frontman for Visage whose best known hit was Fade To Grey.

Steve Strange performing with VIsage in Germany in 1981 (Martin Athenstdt/DPA)

Steve Strange performing with VIsage in Germany in 1981
Steve Strange performing with VIsage in Germany in 1981

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.”

Strange also managed the Blitz Club in Soho, central London, a focal point for the New Romantic movement.

Strange’s agent, Pete Bassett, told the Press Association: “He will be remembered as a hard-working, very amusing and lovable individual who always was at the forefront of fashion trends.

“Up until last year he was putting together a book of fashion styles based on the New Romantic movement and it comes as a great shock.

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— Kim Wilde (@kimwilde) February 12, 2015

“We understood that he had certain health problems but nothing we knew was life threatening.

“His friends and family are totally shocked, we had no idea anything like this was likely to happen.”

I’m very sad to announce that our friend Steve Strange has died in Egypt today. He was the leading edge of New Romantic. God Bless him.

— Simon Le Bon (@SimonJCLeBON) February 12, 2015

Very sad to hear of my friend Steve Strange @Stevevisstrange passing, RIP mate…..

— Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) February 12, 2015

sad to hear of the passing of 80 s icon and my friend #steve strange . hope you ve found some peace Steve

— Michelle Collins (@missmcollins) February 12, 2015

RIP Steve Strange.

— Tony Mortimer (@tony_mortimer) February 12, 2015