Peter Byrne, the lead singer and songwriter of the 1980s new wave duo Naked Eyes, has died at the age of 74 in Los Angeles following a short illness, according to the-independent.com, citing a statement from the band.
A private funeral service is scheduled for the family of the British musician, who passed away peacefully on September 14.
Byrne co-founded Naked Eyes alongside keyboardist Rob Fisher, achieving international chart success with synth-pop hits including “Promises, Promises,” “When the Lights Go Out,” and their acclaimed 1983 cover of Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s “Always Something There To Remind Me”.
The duo signed with EMI Records in 1982 and recorded their debut album at Abbey Road Studios with producer Tony Mansfield.
Following Fisher’s death in 1999, Byrne continued to write, record, and tour internationally, releasing further Naked Eyes material alongside his 2001 solo album, The Real Illusion.
Beyond his work with the band, Byrne contributed backing vocals to Stevie Wonder’s 1985 hit “Part-Time Lover” and composed music for film and television.
He is survived by his siblings Eileen, Sandy, Carol, and Steve; his three children, Merlin, Dylan, and Chloe; and his ex-wife, Elena.
•Featured image: Peter Byrne/Scott Roeben/Wiki Commons