Skip to content

Mural celebrates life of The Fall frontman in home city

Rachel BraundNorth West
News imageSalford City Council A large black and white ceramic mural of a man with dark hair holding a yellow buttercup beneath his chin. A man on the left has blue glasses on and a blue shirt. A woman with short cropped blonde hair holds up to thumbs. A man on the right has a thick dark beard and wears a shirt and tie and gives a thumbs up. Salford City Council
Mark E Smith was the founder and frontman of influential post-punk band The Fall. (Left to right: Artist Mark Kennedy, Mark E Smith's sister and mayor Paul Dennett)

A mural celebrating the life of The Fall frontman Mark E Smith has been unveiled in his home city.

The large-scale ceramic and glass artwork, created by public artist Mark Kennedy, has been installed on the side of a building at the junction of Lower Broughton Road and Great Clowes Street in Salford.

Born in Broughton, Smith was the founder and frontman of the influential post-punk band. Renowned for his distinctive voice and acerbic lyrics, he became an influential figure in British alternative music, releasing more than 30 albums and inspiring generations of artists.

He died in January 2018.

The mural was created by artist Mark Kennedy, who has spent more than three decades delivering major public art projects across Greater Manchester and described Smith as a "great friend".

The image is based on a photograph Kennedy took while the pair were walking through Heaton Park, when Smith held a buttercup beneath his chin.

News imageThe Fall performing at the 6 Music Festival. It is a black and white image and shows a man singing into a microphone. He is wearing a simple suit.
The Fall performing at the 6 Music Festival. O2 Academy, Newcastle in 2015

Kennedy said: "Mark's work has given me, and countless people around the world, enormous inspiration and pleasure, so creating this tribute has been a great honour.

"He was very important because he brought a great literacy to the working class. He brought horror and science fiction and created a world you were allowed into.

"He was a unique artist and a unique voice. There will never be another person quite like him. I hope it helps make more people aware of his contribution to Salford, to music and to the cultural identity of this city."

'A maverick'

New Order and Joy Division bassist Peter Hook said: "Mark and I had a sparky relationship. Groups are so competitive.

"He was a maverick and totally unique. Music is much the worse for not having him. He came to every Hacienda Night we ever did and loved it."

Salford City Council contributed £6,000 towards the cost of materials for the project.

Salford mayor Paul Dennett said: "As we celebrate 100 years of this great city, it is fitting that we have created this artwork to recognise a Salford legend and cultural icon.

"Mark Kennedy was the perfect fit to create the mural. I'd like to thank Mark for creating it. It will be visited by Mark E Smith's family, friends and fans from all over the world.

"This mural is a celebration of a true Salford original and a reminder of the creative talent that continues to emerge from our city."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.

More like this