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■ Naked Eyes
Naked Eyes was an English new wave and synth-pop duo formed in Bath, England, in 1982 by college friends Pete Byrne (vocals) and Rob Fisher (keyboards). They achieved four U.S. top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100: “Always Something There to Remind Me” (No. 8) – a synth-pop cover of the Burt Bacharach standard. “Promises, Promises” (No. 11) (featuring background vocals by Madonna on select mixes).

English songwriter Peter Byrne, co-founder of Naked Eyes, has died at the age of 74. The band had several top 40 hits on Billboard and they were most famous for the cover of “Always Something There to Remind Me” and original single “Promises, Promises.”

Prior to Naked Eyes, Byrne was in Studio (1977-1979) and Neon (1979-1982). It wasn’t Naked Eyes was formed with music partner, Rob Fisher, and signing with EMI Records in 1982, that Byrne found success. Their 1983 debut album was recorded at Abbey Road Studios with producer Tony Mansfield and released as Burning Bridges… but in the USA, the studio thought it was better to just release it as a self-titled Naked Eyes. With the two massive singles from the debut album, the band quickly found their way back for a follow-up album Fuel for the Fire, the following year.

When Rob Fisher died in 1999, Byrne did try to carry on as a solo artist… but eventually came back to using Naked Eyes as a stagename and billing.

When we caught Naked Eyes in Jacksonville, last year, Byrne was in good spirits. Despite having limited time as the warmup act, he took the time to a long dedication and story of “Lost.” This was the last song that he wrote with his songwriting partner, Rob Fisher, and that it always brought a tear to his eye whenever he sings the song. With all said, it sounded like he was so excited to be touring and looking forward to returning to Jacksonville…

Rest in peace, Peter Byrne… because there is always something there to remind me.