The driving force behind the Mancunian band The Fall, Mark E Smith has died.
“It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Mark E. Smith,” the band’s manager Pam Vander said in a statement. “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.”
Smith, the only original member of the band ushered the group through countless lineups, famously hiring and fired more than 60 bandmates, and guises from their formation in 1976 in Prestwich through thirty two original albums and countless live shows
Mark Edward Smith was born in Broughton on March 5th, 1957. It was while at school, that he started using his middle initial in his name because “there were about 10 Smiths in that year,” he told one interviewer.
He worked as a docker in Salford before he quit to form the band in 1976 inspired it is said by the Sex Pistols.
Last year the Fall released their last album New Facts Emerge and played London’s 100 Club in July, but cancelled shows in New York and Louisville, after Smith was hospitalised for issues relating to his throat, while Smith performed from a wheelchair in Wakefield in October in what would be his last gig.
Former Hacienda DJ Dave Haslam wrote on twitter:
“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’ll miss you Mark.”
Pete Wylie also wrote on twitter
“Very sad to hear the news about Mark E Smith. Known him a long time and had the usual mixture of madness and monkey business with him. Love The Fall. So many tales. Thoughts are with family, friends, fans, and Fall members past and present.”
While Tim Burgess wrote:
“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.”
