The death has been announced of Tim Smith, the frontman and co-founder of influential British band Cardiacs.
The singer and guitarist, who was 59, suffered a cardiac arrest in 2008 and had faced complex health issues in the years since.
He was diagnosed with the rare neurological movement disorder dystonia as a result of hypoxic brain damage - restriction of oxygen supplied to the brain - from the cardiac arrest.
In a post on the Cardiacs' website, Tim Smith's brother and bandmate Jim wrote: "I'm sorry, on such a glorious day, to tell you the news that my dearest brother Tim passed away suddenly last night. Sorry it’s a brief message but I don't have it in me to speak at length just now. Love to you all. Be safe. With respect, Jim."
Tim Smith formed Cardiacs as Cardiac Arrest with Jim in 1977. They went on to release eight studio albums, numerous live albums and compilations but had been on indefinite hiatus since he became ill in 2008.
Tim Smith's side projects included The Sea Nymphs and OceanLandWorld and he also produced other artists. His work influenced Radiohead, Blur, Faith No More and Napalm Death, among others with fans around the world taking part in fundraising for his medical care over the years.
Here are some of the many tributes on social media:
Just been told Tim Smith of Cardiacs fame is no longer with us. He's singing to god in person I guess. My deepest condolences to his loved ones, his many friends and countless fans. A sad day for music
— Matthew Wright (@Matthew_Wright) July 22, 2020
Devastatingly sad news that Tim Smith has died. Saw Cardiacs aged 17, cos mate's band supporting them in his student union, there was flour everywhere and confetti and beauty and joy. His music was complex and wild. I loved it so much. RIP leader of the starry skies. https://t.co/mLcPRxJufL
— Alex Murdoch (@murdochalex) July 22, 2020
My heart is a little bit broken today on hearing that we have lost Tim Smith. Cardiacs gave me some of the greatest times of my life, introduced me to life long friends. If you had the good fortune to spend some time at a Cardiacs show then you know. https://t.co/ypTQZRaWNk
— Orla Hannon (@redOrly) July 22, 2020
Gutted to hear of Cardiacs Tim Smith's passing. He was an extraordinary talent and I’m forever grateful to have been able to see him live on a number of occasions #riptimsmith #cardiacs https://t.co/FxIq1KbJjy via @SilverMagUK
— Sam Harrington-Lowe (@SamHL) July 22, 2020
Heartbroken to wake up to news of Tim Smith's passing. His wonderful music changed my life beyond measure, as it did for so many others. A true genius.
— Charlie Cawood (@CharlieCawood) July 22, 2020
RIP Tim Smith
— The Magic Numbers (@themagicnumbers) July 22, 2020
Thank you for creating a very different world of music 🚀 pic.twitter.com/QvFiXyYNjd
RIP Tim Smith. Your inventive splendour helped bend my ears to the very limits of what music can do. pic.twitter.com/c8r21Mdlew
— Max Tundra (@MaxTundra) July 22, 2020
