R.I.P. Steven Young

Photoshot/Getty

R.I.P. Steven Young

Photoshot/Getty

Steven Young, co-founder of ’80s electronic acts Colourbox and M/A/R/R/S, has died. The news was first announced by his former label 4AD, who tweeted “A true pioneer, Steven Young (Colourbox / M/A/R/R/S) has sadly passed away. Our thoughts are with Martyn and family.”

Young formed Colourbox in 1982 with his brother Martyn, and they were joined a year later by vocalist Lorita Grahame. Following their debut single “Breakdown”/”Tarantula” (and a remake with Grahame), the group released one EP and one LP, both self-titled, before teaming up with duo A.R. Kane under the name M/A/R/R/S in 1987. The groundbreaking a-side of the collaboration’s sole single, “Pump Up The Volume,” became a worldwide hit, earning them a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Instrumental Performance in 1989. In 2012, 4AD celebrated Colourbox’s 30th anniversary with a comprehensive retrospective box set.

more from News