Pete Byrne, the frontman of British new wave band Naked Eyes, has died at the age of 74. The news was announced on the band's website and social media on Wednesday, stating that Byrne died peacefully in Los Angeles on 14 September after a brief illness.
Who Was Pete Byrne?
Born in 1953, Pete Byrne was a singer and songwriter who formed Naked Eyes in the late 1970s after the failure of his previous groups, Studio and Neon. Neon featured future Tears for Fears members Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal, as well as his future Naked Eyes bandmate Rob Fisher. "Rob and I found that running a band was not as interesting as writing and recording," Byrne said. "We decided to go back to square one." They split off as a duo, renamed themselves, and signed to EMI.
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Naked Eyes' Chart Success
Naked Eyes became part of the "second British invasion" when synthpop and new wave bands from the UK, powered in part by the rise of MTV, swept into the US. Their debut single, a cover of the Burt Bacharach-penned "Always Something There to Remind Me," became their biggest hit, reaching the Top 10 in the US, Canada, and Australia. Though Naked Eyes never hit the Top 40 in their native UK, they continued a run of US successes with three more Top 40 hits: "Promises, Promises" (which reached No. 11 and featured Madonna on unreleased remixes), "When the Lights Go Out," and "(What) In the Name of Love."
Key Hits and Chart Positions
| Song | Year | US Chart Position |
|---|---|---|
| Always Something There to Remind Me | 1983 | Top 10 |
| Promises, Promises | 1983 | No. 11 |
| When the Lights Go Out | 1984 | No. 37 |
| (What) In the Name of Love | 1984 | No. 39 |
Pete Byrne's Legacy
Pete Byrne's earnest boyish croon and songwriting helped define the sound of 1980s new wave. Naked Eyes' music continues to be celebrated on retro and new wave stations, and their hits remain staples of 80s playlists. Byrne's passing marks the end of an era for fans of the second British invasion.
Key Takeaways
- Pete Byrne was the frontman of British new wave band Naked Eyes.
- He died at 74 after a brief illness in Los Angeles.
- Naked Eyes had multiple US Top 40 hits, including "Always Something There to Remind Me."
- Byrne was part of the "second British invasion" of the 1980s.
FAQ
Who was Pete Byrne?
Pete Byrne was the lead singer of the British new wave band Naked Eyes, known for hits like "Always Something There to Remind Me" and "Promises, Promises."
What was Naked Eyes' biggest hit?
Their biggest hit was a cover of Burt Bacharach's "Always Something There to Remind Me," which reached the Top 10 in the US, Canada, and Australia.
How did Pete Byrne die?
Pete Byrne died peacefully in Los Angeles on 14 September after a brief illness, according to a statement on the band's website and social media.
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