Colourful funeral held in Porthcawl for Visage singer and New Romantic icon Steve Strange
Wales-born New Romantic icon Steve Strange was given a flamboyant send-off today as some of pop's biggest stars said a tearful goodbye.
The Visage singer, who was born Stephen John Harrington in Newbridge, South Wales, died of a heart attack in Egypt last month at the age of 55.
Boy George and Spandau Ballet members Martin Kemp, Gary Kemp and Steve Norman were among the pallbearers carrying Strange's colourful coffin into All Saints Church in the seaside town of Porthcawl in South Wales.
The funeral cortege was led to a packed service by a marching jazz band wearing maroon and navy suits, before Visage's biggest hit 'Fade To Grey' was played via a PA system.
Spandau Ballet saxophone player Steve Norman gave a eulogy recalling how Strange took him and Martin Kemp under his wing during the 1970s.
"We did not have any money back then, and Steve would always pay for our drinks and whatever we wanted. He was a generous and caring human being with a massive heart.
"A lot of great stuff has been said about Steve since his passing - about how he shaped the 1980s - and it is very much deserved. I just wish a few more people had told that to him when he was around ... he was a sensitive soul who needed that affirmation from people."
Norman recalled the last time he had spoken to Strange just before Christmas and took comfort in telling his long-time friend how much he loved him.
Video: Jazz band leads the funeral procession through the streets of Porthcawl
Boy George's tribute - which described Strange as "futuristic fashionista", "seminal pop star" and "wildcard" - was met with thunderous applause from the congregation and the crowds outside.
Mourners, including hairstylist Nicky Clarke and fashion figure Daniel Lismore, heard a rousing performance of the Welsh hymn Myfanwy by Bridgend Male Voice Choir and a biblical verse from 1 Corinthians.
Among the floral tributes in the hearse next to Strange's white coffin was one describing him as "the quintessential peacock".