BBC News reports that Steve Strange, former leader of the British synthpop group Visage and a major driving force in the early-’80s New Romantic scene, has died after suffering a heart attack in Egypt. He was 55.

Strange was born Steven John Harrington in Wales, and he got his start booking punk bands in his hometown. Not long after, he moved to London and played in early bands with people like Chrissie Hynde and Topper Headon. He also promoted club nights at the London nightclub Blitz, which became a major hub for young bands like Culture Club and Duran Duran, all of whom would help shape what new wave would become in the years after.

Strange formed the group Visage and released the debut single “Tar” in 1979. They released “Fade To Grey,” their great breakout single, in 1980, the same year Strange starred in David Bowie’s “Ashes To Ashes” video. Visage would go on to release two albums before breaking up in 1985. After that, Visage would move to Ibiza and host early rave parties. In his later years, he toured a few times with a reunited Visage.

Below, watch the “Fade To Grey” video.