Who are they? A five-piece band from Leighton Buzzard. Originally a foursome called Art Nouveau, they were spotted by John Peel and in 1982 advertised for “a good-looking, talented frontman.” Enter spiky-haired Limahl, a change of band name and a whole load of support from Duran Duran’s Nick Rhodes.
Distinguishing features? Annoyingly catchy pop tunes and terrible 80s hair – Limahl’s bleached blond and black pairing was beaten only by Nick Beggs’s downright peculiar beaded mop-top.
Career high? After signing with EMI in July, 1982, the band released their debut single, Too Shy, six months later which went to number one. A UK tour in April of the following year, supporting their debut album, White Feathers, was a huge hit, attracting 60,000 fans.
Career low? In mid-1983, rising tensions in the band saw Limahl fired by the others (officially they “parted company”), with Nick Beggs going on to take over lead singer duties. A subsequent album, Islands, flopped, peaking at only Number 35 in the UK – although it did reach number 13 in Switzerland.
Not to be confused with? Lemar.
