Screaming Trees frontman Mark Lanegan dies, aged 57
A statement posted to Lanegan’s social media profiles delivered the news on on Tuesday evening:
Our beloved friend Mark Lanegan passed away this morning at his home in Killarney, Ireland. A beloved singer, songwriter, author and musician he was 57 and is survived by his wife Shelley. No other information is available at this time. We ask Please respect the family privacy
— mark lanegan (@marklanegan) February 22, 2022
A co-founder of Screaming Trees in the 1980s, whose sound proved highly influential on grunge bands such as Nirvana and Soundgarden, Lanegan recorded eight albums with the band before their, but also went on to enjoy a successful and varied solo career, releasing several albums under his own name as well as working with many other bands and artists.
Lanegan’s solo debut included contributions from Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic, while his other collaborations include working on albums by PJ Harvey and Moby, as well as recording three albums with Scottish singer-songwriter Isobel Campbell, including the Mercury Prize-nominated 2006 album Ballad of the Broken Seas.
During the early 2000s Lanegan also joined the line-up of Queens of the Stone Age, helping the band to craft their Grammy-nominated album Songs for the Deaf alongside Josh Homme and Dave Grohl. Later he formed another band with Afghan Whigs frontman Greg Dulli, The Gutter Twins, releasing an album together in 2008.
Lanegan’s death caused shock throughout the music industry, in which he had become well known as a supportive figure in the careers of many artists- something reflected in the many tributes which have poured onto social media in the hours since the news arrived on Tuesday, some of which you can find below…
My brother, my mentor, my pen pal, my great friend. I can’t believe you’re gone my friend. I love you Mark Lanegan. And I thank him for everything, for our friendship and the inspiration. I loved him so much. He was the greatest. The very best of us xx
— Nadine Shah (@nadineshah) February 22, 2022
I can't process this. Mark Lanegan will always be etched in my heart - as he surely touched so many with his genuine self, no matter the cost, true to the end. xx jc pic.twitter.com/VDL176nbJu
— John Cale (@therealjohncale) February 22, 2022
Mark Lanegan was a lovely man. He led a wild life that some of us could only dream of. He leaves us with fantastic words and music! Thank god that through all of that he will live forever. RIP Mark. Sleep well. Love Hooky. X pic.twitter.com/Xnx76y68YC
— Peter Hook (@peterhook) February 22, 2022
Terribly saddened to hear the news of the passing of Mark Lanegan. A very gifted artist blessed with honey dipped tones, gone far too soon.
— Garbage (@garbage) February 22, 2022
I love you. Rest In Peace Mark Lanegan, my brother. No words. Heartbroken. pic.twitter.com/nQblLQNjnA
— COLD CAVE (@ColdCave23) February 22, 2022
Mark Lanegan rest easy mate. A real singer. ❤️
— Sleaford Mods (@sleafordmods) February 22, 2022
We lost a brother today. Mark Lanegan was an incredible voice, spirit and talented soul. This was taken at his studio right when I went to say goodbye to him and his wife Shelley before they moved to Europe. We will miss you my friend. pic.twitter.com/YDX05hw8Hl
— Matt Pinfield (@mattpinfield) February 22, 2022