Sad news this evening as it has been announced that Mark E. Smith, frontman of iconic Mancunian post-punk band The Fall, has died at the age of 60.

Smith first formed the band - which he was the only consistent member of - in his native Manchester in 1976 and was a prolific songwriter and musician, releasing 32 studio albums in total - the most recent being last year's 'New Facts Emerge'.

He is perhaps best known by a younger generation for famously saying "I just thought they were a load of retarded Irish folk singers" after encountering Mumford & Sons backstage at an Irish festival a number of years ago.

His death was confirmed with a statement on the band's website that read: "'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."

RIP.