Mark Holmes, the lead singer of ’80s pop band Platinum Blonde broke down during the group’s induction into the Canadian Music and Broadcast Industry Hall of Fame on Friday afternoon in Toronto, as part of Canadian music week.

His voice broke as he brought up bassist-keyboardist Kenny MacLean, who joined the band in 1985, three years after they formed as a trio — drummer Chris Steffler and guitarist Sergio Galli rounded out the lineup — and roughly four years before they would split up.

MacLean died in November 2008 at age 52 just as he was preparing to release his third solo CD and as the band was planning a long-awaited reunion gig.

“It’s still hard to talk about,” said Holmes, clearing his throat. “I miss him so much. We decided, because of Kenny, that we would get back together. It was great to play together the other night (Wednesday at the Mod Club in Toronto). We wish Kenny was there.”

Platinum Blonde, who broke onto the music scene in 1982 with catchy singles, big blond hair and glam-rock style, were called Canada’s Duran Duran, were known for such melodic new wave hits as

Standing in the Dark, Crying Over You and It Doesn’t Really Matter.

After the induction, Holmes told QMI Agency, a Platinum Blonde reunion and a new album, preceded by singles, were going ahead but Friday’s accolade was bittersweet without MacLean.

“I mean, everything we did was kind of ’cause Kenny was aways after us for doing it, so him not being here — it’s really hard for us.”