Mark E Smith’s family have paid an emotional tribute to him and confirmed he died after battling terminal cancer.

The legendary frontman’s sisters Barbara, Suzanne and Caroline posted a statement on The Fall’s website today (Monday).

They said he ‘took every treatment going’ in his fight against the deadly disease, and ‘tried to carry on regardless’ so as not to let down his fans.

The statement reads: “We would like to thank family, friends and fans for all their kind words, condolences and memories about our brother Mark.

“Also, the NHS and staff who treated Mark throughout and Mark’s partner Pam who loved, cared and cherished our brother.

(Image: Joel Goodman)

“Mark fought a long and hard battle after his diagnosis of terminal lung and kidney cancer. He took every treatment going, which could be brutal at times and left Mark with some horrible side effects.

“Mark was such a strong man and hated letting his fans down and tried to carry on regardless against all advice.

“Mark had a great life and loved and lived it to the full and always by his own rules and we, as his sisters were privileged to be part of it too.

“Mark is at peace now and pain free, but we, his three sisters have been left heartbroken and will miss our big brother very much.

“Barbara, Suzanne and Caroline.”

(Image: Mirrorpix)

Mark passed away aged 60 on January 24 this year, and tributes poured in from fellow musicians and members of the Manchester music scene.

The Charlatans singer Tim Burgess wrote: “So so sad to hear that we’ve lost Mark E Smith. A true uncompromising musical maverick. A genius, a curmudgeon and someone whose company it was an honour to share. So long M.E.S x x x”

Marc Riley, a former member of The Fall and now radio DJ, was presenting his BBC 6 Music show as the sad news reached music fans - and he played the band’s tracks Oh Brother and Edinburgh Man.

DJ Dave Haslam said: “The death of Mark E Smith is news I’d been dreading. One of my heroes, and a man I was proud to call a friend.”