According to Pitchfork, frontman for The Fall and influence for literally thousands of indie rock bands Mark E. Smith has died at the age of 60. His cause of death is not known at this time, though his health has been poor for the last few years. His band had to cancel a tour in 2017 when the singer was hospitalized in the United States for what was described as “bizarre and rare medical issues… connected to his throat, mouth/dental & respiratory system.”
The band’s manager Pam Van Damned Tweeted via the band’s label Red Cherry Records that he died at his home. She also stated a more detailed statement would be released in the next few days.
Smith formed The Fall in Prestwich, United Kingdom in 1976. They eventually went on to release a total of 32 full-length studio albums over their career, which spanned parts of five decades. Though extremely prolific, Smith was known as a difficult personality and as such, The Fall shuffled through literally dozens of band members, with Smith being the lone constant. Interestingly, the current lineup of The Fall, which includes Pete Greenway, Dave Spurr and Keiron Melling, is its longest-tenured.
The most recent release from the band was in 2017 when they released New Facts Emerge. Everyone from Pavement and Interpol to Faith No More and Sonic Youth have professed their admiration for Smith and The Fall, and even more are influenced (whether they know it or not) by the group’s idiosyncratic sound.
He also happened to appear on one of the best songs Gorillaz ever released. The song, “Glitter Freeze,” is from what many consider the best album by Gorillaz:
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