Top 80’s Singers Turn Out To Carry The Coffin At Steve Strange Funeral

New Romantic star Steve Strange was given a flamboyant send-off as some of pop’s biggest stars said a tearful goodbye to the late Visage singer. Martin and Gary Kemp of Spandau Ballet and Boy George were pallbearers carrying Strange’s colourful coffin into All Saints Church, Porthcawl, South Wales. The cortege was led to a packed service by a marching jazz band wearing maroon and navy suits before Visage’s biggest hit Fade To Grey boomed out of a PA system.

Boy George and Spandau Ballet brothers Martin and Gary Kemp have carried the coffin of Visage singer Steve Strange at his funeral in Porthcawl. Other celebrities to descend on the seaside town for the service included Tony Hadley and bandmate Steve Norman and hairdresser Nicky Clarke.

Visage’s big hit Fade To Grey played as Strange’s coffin was taken into church. Strange, born Steven Harrington in Newbridge, Caerphilly county, died last month aged 55. More than 300 fans and mourners gathered outside All Saints Church to listen to the service, which was broadcast on loudspeakers.

A jazz band played “I’m the King of the Swingers” as it lead the hearse to the church. Following the funeral, a wake was held at the town’s the Hi-Tide Inn where members of Visage were expected to perform with invited guests paying their own tributes.

Tony Hadley said Strange’s death marked the end of an era. “He was a lovely, lovely guy,” he said.

Martin Fry, frontman of 80s band ABC, said Strange had been a long time friend. “Steve had an incredible sense of humour. I miss him, I miss him already,” he said. “It’s a sad day but a chance to pay my respects to a guy I hope will be remembered for a long time.”

Jayce Lewis, a friend of the the singer, said: “The family have decided that the funeral should be a celebration of Steve’s life and the funeral will be open to the public.”

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