ASHES TO BASHES
The Fall singer’s funeral brawl... ‘It’s what he would have wanted’
THE wake for Fall legend Mark E Smith descended into a brawl – and ex-bandmates said: “He would have loved it.”
Guitarist Ben Pritchard said there were chaotic scenes at the maverick frontman’s send-off.
He said: “Just about managed to escape with my life from Mark E Smith’s funeral. The ceremony itself was nice, touching in places.
“The wake, however, didn’t last half an hour before bottles were thrown and drinks poured over people. Total disrespect, he’d have loved it.” Ben added of the party, in Smith’s home town of Prestwich, Gtr Manchester: “I kind of expected it but hoped otherwise.”
Actor Steve Evets, who was also a guitarist with the band, said: “I’ve got to say, it was just like a Fall gig, some strange people there, and it kicked off. Don’t think he would have had it any other way, we love you Mark.”
Smith’s death at 60 was announced by his girlfriend and The Fall’s manager Pam Van Damned last month.
He had suffered a long spell of ill-health, forcing the band to cancel several gigs. He performed in a wheelchair at his last concert in Glasgow in November.