The Fall frontman Mark E. Smith dies
Mark E. Smith, frontman of Manchester band The Fall, has died at the age of 60.
Smith led post-punk band The Fall for over 40 years, forming the group in 1976 in Prestwich. The notoriously quick-tempered singer was famous for his at times fractious relationships with other members of his band, The Fall going through over 60 personnel changes throughout their career. Famed for their grinding guitar-driven style and Smith’s obscure lyrics, The Fall released 32 studio albums in all, with 2017’s ‘New Facts Emerge’ proving to be their last.
The band were championed earlier on in their career by renowned BBC DJ John Peel, and went on to garner an esoteric following in rock and post-punk circles. They played in Cork in the summer of 2012, performing at The Pavilion.
Smith had been beset with medical problems throughout the last year of his life, with the band being forced to cancel a series of US tour dates in the latter half of last year when he was admitted to hospital with respiratory issues.
The sad news of Smith’s passing was confirmed by the band’s manager on Twitter:
The day I've been dreading.
"It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Mark E. Smith. He passed this morning at home…. 1/2
— Fall news (@fallnews) January 24, 2018
"… A more detailed statement will follow in the next few days. In the meantime, Pam & Mark’s family request privacy at this sad time." 2/2
Pam Van Damned
The Fall – manager— Fall news (@fallnews) January 24, 2018
