Mark E. Smith, the enigmatic frontman for influential English post-punk group The Fall has passed away, the band’s manager has announced.

Formed back in 1976 after Smith witnessed the Sex Pistols’ infamous Manchester Free Trade Hall performance, The Fall have been a constant staple on the alternative music scene, bringing their angular, divisive style of music to audiences around the world.

Throughout the band’s career, Mark E. Smith has remained only constant member of The Fall, performing on all of the group’s 32 studio albums, in addition to his solo work and work with in other groups.

Despite being noted as the favourite band of legendary tastemaker DJ John Peel, both The Fall and Mark E. Smith have divided opinions over the years, with Smith being criticised as difficult to work with by many. In fact, it was this difficulty to work with that resulted in Smith firing countless members of the group, eventually giving rise to the famous quote, “If it’s me and yer granny on bongos, it’s The Fall.”

News of Smith’s passing broke earlier today by The Fall’s manager, Pamela Vander. “The day I’ve been dreading,” started Vander. “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.”

While no details about Smith’s passing have surfaced as yet, Pitchfork notes that The Fall had been forced to cancel a series of US dates in 2017, owing to Smith being hospitalised due to “bizarre and rare medical issues… connected to his throat, mouth/dental & respiratory system.”

Numerous musicians have shared tributes to Mark E. Smith, with many praising his genius and uniqueness as an artist, while lamenting the hole that his loss will leave on the music scene.

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Check out The Fall’s ‘Totally Wired’:

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