EntertainmentThe FallMark E. Smith

Mark E Smith, Frontman Of 'The Fall', Dies Aged 60

Musicians pay tribute to a musical 'maverick and genius'.
Graeme Demianyk
By 

Senior Editor, HuffPost UK

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The Fall singer Mark E Smith died aged 60 at home on Wednesday morning, the band’s manager Pam Van Damned said.

A statement on the band’s Twitter account said: “It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Mark E. Smith.

“He passed this morning at home. A more detailed statement will follow in the next few days. In the meantime, Pam & Mark’s family request privacy at this sad time.”

Last year the band were forced to cancel a string of shows due to Smith’s health.

Lex van Rossen/MAI via Getty Images

Born in Salford in 1957, the former dockworker formed The Fall in the mid-1970s and the band went on to be one of Britain’s best-loved cult bands, famous for an anarchic post-punk style and Smith’s habit of sacking bandmates.

His death was previously wrongly announced by the BBC in March last year, on his 60th birthday.

Musicians lined up to pay tribute to a musical “maverick and genius”.

RIP Mark E Smith pic.twitter.com/4BezoJzeQz

— PIXIES (@PIXIES) January 24, 2018

RIP Mark E Smith pic.twitter.com/xV6W2QxTRC

— Geoff Barrow (@jetfury) January 24, 2018

Oh man. Mark E Smith. One of my biggest heroes. Had a nightmare interviewing him (of course) but then he put me in a song. So sharp, clever and untouchably cool. Thanks for the music, MES.

— Lauren Laverne (@laurenlaverne) January 24, 2018

So so sad to hear that we’ve lost Mark E Smith. A true uncompromising musical maverick. A genius, a curmudgeon and someone whose company it was an honour to share. So long M.E.S x x x pic.twitter.com/aZFGNXZuRW

— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) January 24, 2018

The death of Mark E Smith is news I'd been dreading. One of my heroes, and a man I was proud to call a friend. I wrote this about him last year, knowing he was ill....https://t.co/RTvvWz7Hed I'll miss you Mark. pic.twitter.com/gm9IlLNlxW

— Dave Haslam (@Mr_Dave_Haslam) January 24, 2018

I have a Mark E Smith story actually. Back in the day Suede got asked to support The Fall on a couple of dates. To a man we were massive fans and VERY excited to be asked. Everyone told us he could be rough on support bands but he was great. Lots of time to soundcheck. (1)

— Mat Osman (@matosman) January 24, 2018

He was friendly, helpful, told us to come straight to him with any problem. The shows were great, his crowd were great, The Fall were great. On our way home in the van we were listening to Richard Skinner and he had an interview with Mark. We listened in intently. (2)

— Mat Osman (@matosman) January 24, 2018

Especially when Skinner asked, "Do you like any of the new bands who are calling you an influence."
Mark said "Like who?"
Skinner asked "Well, like Suede."

There was a perfectly timed beat.

"Never heard of them."

— Mat Osman (@matosman) January 24, 2018

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