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Thursday, January 25, 2018

Mark E. Smith: Frontman of British post-punk band the Fall, dead at 60

ABC NEWS

Mark E. Smith, frontman of the prolific and influential U.K. post-punk band the Fall, died this morning at his home. He was 60.


Smith's passing was announced via a Facebook post from the Fall's manager Pam Vander.

Smith had battled a number of ailments during the past year, including throat, dental and respiratory issues that forced him to cancel U.K. shows in November 2017 and a U.S. tour earlier last year.

Smith formed the Fall in 1976 and was the only constant member in the group, which underwent frequent lineup changes. The band released more than 30 studio albums over the years and scored a few hits on the U.K. indie charts during the early 1980s.

The Fall even broke into the top 40 of the U.K.'s pop singles chart twice, in 1987 with "There's a Ghost in My House" and 1988 with a cover of The Kinks' "Victoria."

The Fall's edgy, guitar-driven sound was highlighted by Smith's nasal, slurred spoke-sung vocals and cryptic lyrics.

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