Cardiacs frontman Tim Smith dead at 59: Fans mourn death of singer for British cult rock band that inspired the likes of Blur and Radiohead
- Smith suffered a heart attack in 2008 which left his ability to speak impaired
- Band, which influenced Blur and Radiohead, have since been on hiatus
- Tim started the band with his brother Jim around 1980 after several name changes and released eight studio albums between 1980 and 2007
Tim Smith, frontman of the influential British cult rock band Cardiacs, has died at the age of 59.
Smith developed a rare neurological disorder called dystonia in 2008 after suffering a heart attack.
The condition left him with impaired dexterity and ability to speak as well as also causing painful muscle spasms.
No further information surrounding the passing of Smith is yet available.
Born in Surrey in 1961, Tim began his musical career in 1975 playing guitar for an unknown instrumental band.
Cardiacs frontman Tim Smith has died aged 59. Smith recorded eight studio albums with the band from 1980 to 2007 and is cited with influencing bands including Blur and Radiohead
Tim Smith was left with impaired mobility and speech after he suffered a heart attack in 2008
He eventually began the band Cardiac Arrest with his brother Jim in about 1980 and released one album – The Obvious Identity – before they changed the name to Cardiac shortly after.
The band went through a number of line-up changes over the course of their first three decades, with Tim and Jim remaining the sole constant members.
Their work was cited as a key influence by acts such as Blur, Radiohead, Napalm Death and Faith No More.
Cardiacs had been on indefinite hiatus since Smith’s 2008 hospitalisation.