Tributes have been paid to The Fall’s Mark E Smith at his funeral in Manchester.
The mastermind musician, who formed cult group The Fall in 1976, died on January 24 after battling ill health in recent years.
On Tuesday mourners attended a funeral at Blackley Crematorium in Manchester before a wake at one of Smith’s favourite pubs, The Woodthorpe in Prestwich.
I’ve got to say #MarkESmith ‘s funeral was just like a Fall gig, some strange people there, it was unpredictable and it kicked off. I don’t think he would have had it any other way, we love you Mark pic.twitter.com/Hc3HQlmg88
— Steve Evets (@steveevets26) February 7, 2018
Fans and friends of the spiky singer-songwriter wrote messages about the service on social media with one comparing it to one of the band’s infamous gigs.
@Mr_Dave_Haslam posted: “Farewell Mark. Thank you sir, thank you for everything #MarkESmithRIP.”
@Steveevets26 tweeted a photo of the order of service and wrote: “I’ve got to say #MarkESmith ‘s funeral was just like a Fall gig, some strange people there, it was unpredictable and it kicked off. I don’t think he would have had it any other way, we love you Mark.”
The Fall’s record label since 2011, Cherry Red Records, paid tribute to Smith on its official Facebook page.
A Tribute to Mark E Smith – here’s to Mark and the music and words he gave the world.
Posted by The Fall – Music on Wednesday, February 7, 2018
The label wrote: “Today we are remembering Mark E Smith – The Fall’s inimitable frontman and principal songwriter who sadly passed away in January.
“We were lucky enough to represent and release The Fall’s music from 2011 onwards and everyone here at Cherry Red would like to pay tribute to one of our most unique, creative and uncompromising artists.
“It was a pleasure and privilege to be able to work with Mark over the past seven years, and his talent, humour and music will be sadly missed by us all.”
Dozens of stars from Jonathan Ross to Frank Skinner paid tribute to Smith following his death which came months after the band cancelled a string of dates due to his ill health.