The Fall frontman Mark E. Smith has died aged 60

He passed yesterday morning at home.

The Fall frontman Mark E. Smith has died aged 60, following a period of poor health.

“It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Mark E. Smith,” reads a message from his partner and the band’s manager, Pam Van Damned.

“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.”

The band were forced to cancel a handful of shows towards the end of 2017 following “a mix of bizarre and rare (true to form) medical issues”.

“Mark’s current problems are connected to his throat, mouth/dental & respiratory system,” Pam explained in August. It’s been “a pretty rough year health-wise,” she added in November.

The Fall’s 32nd studio album, ‘New Facts Emerge’, was released last summer via Cherry Red Records.