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Jan 24, 2018 The Fall By Christopher Roberts

Mark E. Smith, the lead singer and main creative force of prolific post-punk icons The Fall has passed away. He was 60. The band’s manager Pamela Vander announced the news via The Fall News Twitter account and website: “It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Mark E. Smith. 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.”

The Fall formed in 1976 in Prestwich, in the Manchester area. Smith was the only constant member of the band over the years, with a revolving line-up of different backing band member, perhaps in part because Smith had a reputation for being difficult. The Fall released 32 official studio albums, ranging from 1979’s Live at the Witch Trials to 2017’s New Facts Emerge. Below are social media responses to his passing from various fellow musicians.

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

First we lost Ursula Le Guin, then Hugh Masekela, now Mark E Smith. Been a tough week for cultural icons.

— Billy Bragg (@billybragg) January 24, 2018

God help us. RIP Mark E Smith pic.twitter.com/55ooBvnpbt

— gorillaz (@gorillaz) January 24, 2018

Words Escape Me. R.I.P Mark E Smith. Hero, poet, a man amongst musicians.

— The Moonlandingz (@themoonlandingz) January 24, 2018

Mark E Smith ???? We will never forget you coming to see us play. Especially when you said watching us play was like watching paint dry. ???? RIP

— Garbage (@garbage) January 24, 2018

RIP to one of the most difficult, problematic, geniuses punk ever produced, Mark E Smith, and I hope everyone he hurt and abused over the years is able to find peace some as well.

— Damian Abraham (@leftfordamian) January 24, 2018

Sad to hear about the death of Mark E. Smith at 60. British music loses one of its most original and prolific talents. pic.twitter.com/ALqXl3zfBg

— THE THE (@thethe) January 24, 2018

Mark E Smith, rest in peace brother, you changed everything for me. Thank you xxx https://t.co/r5JuyaBkmI

— Clint Boon (@therealboon) January 24, 2018

Mark E Smith will always be one of the pillars of influence for me as lyricist and trouble maker. I’ve built trust in people based on wether they owned and actually loved Fall records. Thanks 4 making rock literary, and mischievous. RIP.

— CEDRIC BIXLER ZAVALA (@cedricbixler_) January 24, 2018

“He was always unpredictable… I would just sit and listen to his stories” - @Tim_Burgess on The Fall singer Mark E Smith who has died aged 60 #newsnight pic.twitter.com/pM9Osyi6XH

— BBC Newsnight (@BBCNewsnight) January 24, 2018

RIP, Mark E. Smith. It was a great pleasure to have you at Primavera Sound.

Pic: Inma Varandela, 2010 pic.twitter.com/TkMTFRSaGt

— Primavera Sound (@Primavera_Sound) January 24, 2018

RIP Mark E Smith…. damn. A happy memory >>> https://t.co/o1oGFis9Qq

— nigel godrich (@nigelgod) January 24, 2018

Blasting the Fall today. Wish more artist were as true to themselves! RIP Mark E.

— win butler (@DJWindows98) January 24, 2018

A post shared by CAT POWER (@catpowerofficial) on Jan 24, 2018 at 1:18pm PST

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Alas, the great Mark E Smith has passed away. Not merely a legend of indie music, but someone who, for me, was a gateway into that very genre. Will be blasting the A Sides album all week now. The Fall are no more, long live the Fall! pic.twitter.com/rsxFybINmn

— edgarwright (@edgarwright) January 24, 2018

Mark, me old mucker… you will be sorely missed! The North will rise again! RIP. Love Hooky x

— Peter Hook (@peterhook) January 24, 2018

“Every man hates what he has to deny-uh. Especially I-uh. Especially I-uh!” https://t.co/5SZtahgNrs

— Liz Phair (@PhizLair) January 24, 2018

RIP Mark E Smith pic.twitter.com/4BezoJzeQz

— PIXIES (@PIXIES) January 24, 2018

He WAS much appreciated. https://t.co/RVhE0SJveE Mark E Smith, who has died.

— stuart murdoch (@nee_massey) January 24, 2018

The only thing I heard was that we “were shit”. In good company then! (he bought Sinister for his sister in ‘97 though) https://t.co/RCmBjzfgfl

— stuart murdoch (@nee_massey) January 24, 2018

Saddened to hear of Mark E Smith passing today. Sending love and peace to his family and listening to The Fall all afternoon… RIP Mark. pic.twitter.com/3uSAVPrxub

— Third Man Records (@thirdmanrecords) January 24, 2018

Sad news! There’s never been anyone like Mark E. Smith or The Fall. RIP #markesmith . pic.twitter.com/7KIyuHnfoq

— superchunk (@superchunk) January 24, 2018

Aw man, Mark E Smith. What a total inspiration. A guiding light of independence, intelligence, poetry and sheer bloody-mindedness.

— Mat Osman (@matosman) January 24, 2018

I have a Mark E Smith story actually. Back in the day Suede got asked to support The Fall on a couple of dates. To a man we were massive fans and VERY excited to be asked. Everyone told us he could be rough on support bands but he was great. Lots of time to soundcheck. (1)

— Mat Osman (@matosman) January 24, 2018

He was friendly, helpful, told us to come straight to him with any problem. The shows were great, his crowd were great, The Fall were great. On our way home in the van we were listening to Richard Skinner and he had an interview with Mark. We listened in intently. (2)

— Mat Osman (@matosman) January 24, 2018

Especially when Skinner asked, “Do you like any of the new bands who are calling you an influence.”
Mark said “Like who?”
Skinner asked “Well, like Suede.”

There was a perfectly timed beat.

“Never heard of them.”

— Mat Osman (@matosman) January 24, 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) January 24, 2018

our thoughts are with all friends, family, musical conspirators and the countless artists/thinkers whose lives were enriched by the one and only Mark E. Smith pic.twitter.com/lTL28jGSrw

— Matador Records (@matadorrecords) January 24, 2018

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