Post-punk Legend & The Fall Frontman Mark E Smith Passes Away At 60

UK post-punk icon and The Fall frontman, Mark E Smith has passed away at the age of 60.

The news was confirmed in a statement posted to the legendary band's Facebook page by manager Pam Vander. 

"It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Mark E Smith," the post reads.

"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."

As The Guardian reports, Smith was suffering from ill health throughout last year despite touring in support of The Fall's 32nd studio album, New Facts Emerge, released in July. 

They were forced to cancel shows throughout the US in August after the Salford-born singer was hospitalised due to issues relating to his throat, mouth and respiratory system. 

Vander released a statement at the time which read, "Unfortunately, it would be a gamble on his health to fly anywhere over the next couple of months".

After performing in a wheelchair at a gig in Wakefield in October, The Fall axed even more US dates in December due to Smith's "full year of bad health".

Formed in 1976, Smith was the only constant member of The Fall who had a string of #1 charting albums on the UK Indie lists, including 1980's Grotesque (After the Gramme), 1983's Perverted By Language and 2010's Your Future Our Clutter.

Tributes have flowed on social media since the news of Smith's passing.

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