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.
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
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
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
So sad to hear of Mark E Smith’s passing.Working with him was an honour... a true maverick,a special blend of talent and individuality. Sessions ranged from great humour & much laughter to great insanity and much scratching of heads,to much affection and treasured memories RIP pic.twitter.com/GL0qgMx70Q
— Ian Broudie (@IanZBroudie) January 24, 2018
R.I.P. Mark E. Smith and thanks for the music https://t.co/kHklkkPJgZ
— Andy Bell (@Andybebop) January 24, 2018
