Mark E Smith, lead singer of cult Manchester band The Fall, has died aged 60.
The famously prolific musician, who formed The Fall in Prestwich in 1976, fell ill last year and cancelled a number of US tour dates.
He was seen performing in a wheelchair at a gig in Wakefield in October.
A statement from the band’s manager Pam Van Damned broke the news of his death on the band’s website and on Twitter.
It read: “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.”
Smith was the one constant member of The Fall and was well known for changing the band’s line-ups, so much so that more than 60 people have taken up various roles backing Smith on any number of the 32 studio albums they released.
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Picture courtesy of Commonorgard, with thanks.
