Tim Smith, the lead singer of The Cardiacs, died at the age of 59.
The leader of the influential cult group had experienced health problems since he had a heart attack in 2008, causing him to develop a rare neurological disorder, dystonia.
Mary Wren, manager of The Cardiacs ‘Alphabet Business Concern’ record label, released a statement earlier today (July 22) saying Smith died “suddenly.”
His exact cause of death has yet to be confirmed.
“Despite the difficulties Tim has faced in the past 12 years, we all feel in some way that he would never leave us,” Wren wrote.
“This is due, in part, to the fact that he looked at death head on, with his good and true eye, many times and won. However, it was also an illusion, because we knew the abyss that it would leave in all our lives.
“Right now, we are comforted by the fact that he left us silent, albeit suddenly, and that no monster had its dirty claws on it while we weren’t looking, when we were looking, they had no chance. “
Tim, who was born in Surrey in 1961, formed his band in 1977 alongside his brother James ‘Jim’ Smith, Michael Pugh and Peter Tagg.
They were noted for their diverse style that included pop art and psychedelia, and Radiohead and Blur later praised them as an influence on their sound.
He recorded his first album under the name of the band Cardiac Arrest, which they later decided to change.
They then released nine albums, with their most recent being on ‘Guns’ from 1999. A separate single, ‘Ditzy Scene’, was released in 2007.
After suffering a heart attack in 2008, Smith suffered brain damage and developed dystonia from the rare neurological disorder, leading him to withdraw from live performances.
Smith previously described his health problems to The Quietus, explaining: “Some days I can deal with it, if I am mentally capable. I haven’t even told the kids what I’m ashamed of and all I can say is I’m sorry. I had no idea how much it really meant to all of these amazing people and I’ve been trying to figure out what they mean to me.
Incredibly sad to hear of Tim Smith’s passing from the Cardiacs. A unique musical mind, a wonderful man. What a fucking day. But he will always be the dazzling light at the center of a large musical family. 💙
– Rhodri Marsden (@rhodri) July 22, 2020
“The only way I can try and let you know how I feel right now is … imagine you were wearing a tight jumpsuit made of leggings all around you with electrical pulses at all times.” This is how my body feels unless I fall asleep. I have called this my digital pain and hitting my head or something that hurts a lot or any kind of normal pain, like toothache, I call it analog. Also, I can’t write or hold a pen or use a computer. “
To pay tribute, TV host Matthew Wright said: “I just told Tim Smith that Cardiacs fame is no longer with us. He’s singing to God in person, I guess. My deepest condolences to your loved ones, your many friends and countless admirers. A sad day for music. “
Writer Rhodri Marsden added: “Incredibly sad to hear about the passing of Tim Smith of Cardiacs. A unique musical mind, a wonderful man. What a fucking day. But it will always be the dazzling light at the center of a great musical family. “
