Peter Byrne Dies at 74: Naked Eyes Singer Behind Two Defining ’80s Hits
Peter Byrne, the singer and songwriter who co-founded the British new wave duo Naked Eyes, has died at 74. He died peacefully in Los Angeles on September 14 after a brief illness, according to a statement posted on the band’s website. naked eyes
Byrne’s voice helped make “Always Something There to Remind Me” and “Promises, Promises” enduring hits of the 1980s. With keyboardist Rob Fisher, he brought melodic songwriting and synthesizers together in a sound that found a wide American audience.
Naked Eyes’ Breakthrough
Born in Islington, North London, Byrne worked on several music projects in Bath before joining Fisher in the band Neon. Its members also included Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal, who later formed Tears for Fears. Byrne and Fisher established Naked Eyes in 1982 and signed with EMI Records that year. naked eyes
Their debut album was recorded at Abbey Road Studios and released in 1983 as Burning Bridges in the UK and Naked Eyes in the United States. It featured the duo’s version of the Burt Bacharach and Hal David song “Always Something There to Remind Me,” which reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. Their original song “Promises, Promises” climbed to No. 11. naked eyes
Two more singles entered the US Top 40: “When the Lights Go Out” and “(What) In the Name of Love.” The latter appeared during the period of the duo’s second album, Fuel for the Fire, released in 1984. naked eyes
Music Beyond the ’80s
Byrne’s work extended beyond Naked Eyes. He sang backing vocals on Stevie Wonder’s 1985 hit “Part-Time Lover” and wrote songs for film, television and the Olsen twins. naked eyes
After Fisher died in 1999, Byrne continued to record and perform. He released the solo album The Real Illusion in 2001, then issued further music under the Naked Eyes name, including Fumbling with the Covers in 2007 and Disguise the Limit in 2021. A remastered edition of the duo’s original US album followed in 2025. naked eyes
Byrne is survived by his children Merlin, Dylan and Chloe; his siblings Eileen, Sandy, Carol and Steve; and his former wife, Elena. His family will hold a private service. naked eyes
