Stephen Duffy

Quick Facts

Summary

Stephen Duffy is an English singer-songwriter born in 1960, known for founding Duran Duran and leading The Lilac Time. He co-wrote Robbie Williams’ Intensive Care and The Christmas Present albums. His solo work spans pop, folk, and electronica, with releases under Tin Tin, Dr. Calculus, and The Devils.

Biography

Personal Life

Stephen Anthony James Duffy was born on 30 May 1960 in Alum Rock, Birmingham, England. He studied at the School of Foundation Studies & Experimental Workshop at Birmingham Polytechnic (now Birmingham City University), where he met future Duran Duran members John Taylor and Nick Rhodes. Duffy is married to musician Claire Worrall (Claire Duffy), and the couple resides in Cornwall. He continues to write, record, and perform, primarily with The Lilac Time.

The Robbie Williams Band

Stephen Duffy is not a touring member of the Robbie Williams Live Band but played a pivotal role in Robbie's songwriting and studio output. Introduced to Robbie by Claire Worrall, Duffy co-wrote the 2005 album Intensive Care, including tracks such as Ghosts, Advertising Space and Make Me Pure. The collaboration marked a shift in Robbie's lyrical tone and musical direction. Duffy also contributed to Robbie's 2019 album The Christmas Present, co-writing songs including Time for Change.

Though only featured in live performances in 2006, Duffy's influence is present in Robbie's studio arrangements and thematic development. His songwriting partnership with Robbie is one of the most introspective and musically diverse in Robbie's discography.

Other Projects and Appearances

Stephen Duffy was a founding member of Duran Duran in 1978, serving as vocalist, bassist, and drummer before leaving the band in 1979. He later formed The Hawks (also known as Obviously Five Believers), Tin Tin, and Dr. Calculus. Under the name Tin Tin, he released the hit single “Kiss Me,” which reached No. 4 in the UK in 1985. His solo albums include The Ups and Downs (1985), Because We Love You (1986), and I Love My Friends (1997).

In 1986, Duffy founded The Lilac Time with his brother Nick Duffy and Michael Weston. The band blends folk, pop, and alternative influences and has released multiple albums including The Lilac Time (1987), Keep Going (2003), Runout Groove (2007), and Return to Us (2019). He also collaborated with Nick Rhodes in 2002 to form The Devils, releasing the album Dark Circles, based on early Duran Duran material.

Duffy's discography spans solo work, band projects, and collaborations with artists such as Steven Page and Edwyn Collins. His career reflects a commitment to lyrical depth, genre experimentation, and long-term artistic evolution.

Credits & Contributions (26)