Mark E Smith of The Fall: 1957 - 2018

[61653 HTAFC]

It has been announced that indie-rock legend Mark E Smith of cult Manchester band The Fall has died at the age of 60. Notoriously caustic in dealings with press, fans and bandmates alike, Smith carved out a legendary reputation during the 40-year lifespan of the band of which he was the only constant member.
The BBC has this article, extract provided below: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-42811968

The Fall singer Mark E Smith has died aged 60, the band's manager has said.

Pam Van Damned said the frontman died at home on Wednesday morning and a more detailed statement would follow "in the next few days".

"In the meantime, Pam and Mark's family request privacy at this sad time," the statement said.

Paying tribute, Smith's former bandmate Marc Riley said the singer "taught me a lot about life and he taught me a lot about music".

Riley, now a radio DJ, was on air on BBC 6 Music when the news broke. The pair had a tumultuous relationship - as was the case with Smith and many of the 60-odd musicians who passed through The Fall's ranks.

"Aged 16 he really did teach me so much," Riley told listeners.

"The Fall were my favourite band when I joined and they were still my favourite band when I got kicked out."

On a personal level, The Fall were among my favourite bands of all time. Whilst Smith was a controversial figure, he along with his ever-changing, often-fired band created some of the greatest British music since the 1960s. Besides his extensive work with The Fall, he also reached a new generation of listeners as part of Von Südenfed: a collaboration with German electro group Mouse on Mars.

Besides music, he also acted (playing God in an episode of the Johnny Vegas sitcom, Ideal) and once guested as the Classified Football Results reader on BBC Final Score.

I would say Rest in Peace, but I imagine Smith himself would probably scoff at such sentiments... so I'll just say cheers for the great music, for the not-so-great-but-interesting music, and for so many chaotic (in a good way) shows over the years.

 

[Tracked]

Gutted, that means no new Fall album ever again

Saw them live a few times, once in Doncaster @ The Leopard a few years after the New York thing. Only recognised a couple of the songs they played, but it was one of my favourite gigs ever.

 

[Altfish]

My favourite band by a country mile; I reckon I saw them live about 80 times, first in 1982 and for the final time in London last January.

RIP Mark, thanks for the music and memories

 

[Cowley]

It has been announced that indie-rock legend Mark E Smith of cult Manchester band The Fall has died at the age of 60. Notoriously caustic in dealings with press, fans and bandmates alike, Smith carved out a legendary reputation during the 40-year lifespan of the band of which he was the only constant member.
The BBC has this article, extract provided below: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-42811968


On a personal level, The Fall were among my favourite bands of all time. Whilst Smith was a controversial figure, he along with his ever-changing, often-fired band created some of the greatest British music since the 1960s. Besides his extensive work with The Fall, he also reached a new generation of listeners as part of Von Südenfed: a collaboration with German electro group Mouse on Mars.

Besides music, he also acted (playing God in an episode of the Johnny Vegas sitcom, Ideal) and once guested as the Classified Football Results reader on BBC Final Score.

I would say Rest in Peace, but I imagine Smith himself would probably scoff at such sentiments... so I'll just say cheers for the great music, for the not-so-great-but-interesting music, and for so many chaotic (in a good way) shows over the years.

Nicely said 61653. He could be tyrant to work with, but also an absolute genius.
So long Mark.

 

[trash80]

I wouldn't say i was a huge fan though Free Range is one of my all-time favourite songs. I was listening to that and a few other Fall songs early, more invention and musical innovation in one song than most artists manage in a multi-decade career.