Tributes paid to Mark E. Smith as The Fall frontman dies, aged 60
Tributes have been pouring in from musicians and Mancunians everywhere following last night's sad news that Mark E. Smith, founder and chief creative force behind The Fall, has died, aged 60.
Born in the Salford neighbourhood of Broughton in 1957, Smith formed his band, named after the Albert Camus novel of the same name, in 1976 and remained the only constant presence in the notoriously fluid line-up of a band that has, for more than four decades, been one of the UK's most influential.
Releasing more than 30 studio albums over the span of a highly prolific career in music, Smith was known as one of the hardest-working people in the music industry. Often grumpy in public appearances and a famously difficult interview subject, Smith and his ever-evolving band nevertheless inspired countless other musicians, with everyone from Arctic Monkeys, Happy Mondays and Suede to LCD Soundsystem, Sonic Youth and Faith No More citing Smith's music an as influence on their work.
News of his death at the age of 60 arrived yesterday via the band's manager, Pam Van Damned, who said that Smith had died at home on Wednesday morning and that a full statement regarding his death would be released in the next few days.
BBC 6 Music DJ Marc Riley, himself a former member of The Fall, led the tributes last night, saying that Smith had 'taught me a lot about life and a lot about music”. More tributes continued to flood social media overnight as musicians and fans alike paid their respects to one of the UK's most enduring and singular artist, some of which you can find below.
Rest in peace, Mark E. Smith, and thanks for the music.
Mark E.Smith R.I.P.
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) 25 January 2018
Mark E Smith was a complex, driven man. I greatly admired him as an artist and -both despite and because of his eccentricities- really liked him as a person. RIot in Righteousness, Mark mate.
— Irvine Welsh (@IrvineWelsh) 25 January 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) 24 January 2018
RIP Mark E Smith pic.twitter.com/4BezoJzeQz
— PIXIES (@PIXIES) 24 January 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) 24 January 2018
God help us. RIP Mark E Smith pic.twitter.com/55ooBvnpbt
— gorillaz (@gorillaz) 24 January 2018
Everyone at Manchester City would like to send their condolences to the friends and family of Mark E. Smith. https://t.co/yW4aerIr61
— Manchester City (@ManCity) 24 January 2018
