British singer-songwriter and producer who rose to prominence as the distinctive frontman of 1980s synth-pop pioneers Boys Don't Cry. Richards' vocal delivery and songwriting became synonymous with the band's infectious blend of new wave sensibilities and synthesizer-driven pop, helping define the synth-pop sound of the era.
As a key creative force behind Boys Don't Cry's catalog, Richards contributed to the band's influential output during the height of the 1980s electronic pop movement. His work helped establish the template for synth-pop's mainstream appeal, balancing accessible melodies with the emerging electronic production techniques of the period.