The Fall's frontman Mark E Smith has died today at the age of 60.

The sad news was announced by a fan account for the iconic post-punk band, which carried a statement attributed to The Fall's manager Pam Vander.

"The day I've been dreading. 'It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Mark E. Smith. He passed this morning at home," the tweet read.

"A more detailed statement will follow in the next few days. In the meantime, Pam & Mark’s family request privacy at this sad time." 2/2 Pam Van Damned The Fall - manager."

The Fall's record label Cherry Red also confirmed the news with Pam's statement on its website.

(Image: Getty)

(Image: Redferns)

Tributes have been pouring in for Mark, with Lauren Laverne tweeting: "Oh man. Mark E Smith. One of my biggest heroes. Had a nightmare interviewing him (of course) but then he put me in a song. So sharp, clever and untouchably cool. Thanks for the music, MES."

BPI Music wrote: "Such very sad news that Mark E Smith has passed away. Whatever the opposite of Pop is, Mark was it - a complete maverick one off who made music to thrill and to jar the senses. A real loss to music, but a unique talent who leaves a remarkable legacy. RIP."

Mark was forced to cancel a string of Fall gigs in late 2017 after suffering from "bizarre and rare medical issues", as his manager put it.

His final performance was at the Queen Margaret Union in Glasgow in early November 2017, where he sang from his wheelchair with his right arm in a sling.

(Image: Redferns) (Image: Redferns) (Image: Getty)

Mark was previously the subject of a fake death announcement, when the BBC reported he had passed away following a statement explaining his recent hospitalisation.

His manager Pam had posted on Instagram at the time: "Mark lives for music, and yes, physically he looked messed up… but don’t forget about mind and heart and soul. Everything inside. He needed to do this."

Mark was a proud Mancunian and formed The Fall in 1976 as a 16-year-old with three friends - Martin Bramah, Una Baines and Tony Friel - after watching the Sex Pistols perform at Manchester's Free Trade Hall.

He made more than 80 albums and saw the line-up cycle through dozens of different band members.

He preferred living life outside the mainstream and would frequently bemoan the state of modern music in his later years.

(Image: Redferns) (Image: Redferns)

In 2010 he admitted to throwing a bottle at Mumford & Sons at a festival, telling Brag magazine: We were playing a festival in Dublin the other week, there was this other group warming up in the next sort of chalet, and they were terrible.

"I said, 'Shut them c***s up,' and they were still warming up, so I threw a bottle at them. The band said, 'That's the Sons Of Mumford [sic] or something, they're Number Five in charts!' I just thought they were a load of r*****d Irish folk singers."

(Image: Redferns)

(Image: Redferns)

One of Mark's last messages to his fans came on November 30 2017 when he was forced to cancel two gigs in a row - in Bristol and London.

Through Pam, he sent a message of apology to disappointed fans, telling them: "As I, like Pr Rupert leave Bristol with my tail between my legs, I wish to give my great apologies to everybody.

"This idiotic idea to do both shows was purely my idea, against the advice of Pamela and The Fall group, agent & promoter. Hope to replace shows within 4 - 6 weeks."

He went on: "In the interim we have eight new songs ready to go and will try and let you hear a few before Christmas. From head patient to you, the patients. I love you all but cannot embrace you all, Mark E. Smith."

The Fall were scheduled to perform at Brooklyn's Baby's All Right venue in February 2018, but were forced to cancel all seven gigs in December.

Pam had told her Instagram followers that the rescheduled gigs were being cancelled again because of the rocker's health.

"FALL NOTICE: Another unfortunate announcement here but just to get this out ASAP, The Fall five-date residency (rescheduled) at Baby's All Right in Brooklyn, New York (February 2018) is now CANCELLED.

"Mark & the group are gutted but due to a full year of bad health and time flying by us, we wanna announce the news sooner rather than later. Mark is settled and resting up, and we don't wanna screw that up. Sorry to all/fans/friends in NYC and thanks to venue/promoters etc for the opportunity for The Fall to hit NYC again. We will see you there at some point in the future, but for now, more rest & recovery.

"A message from Mark: 'BACK SOONER THAN LATER PALS!!! M.E.S. Shock House Now, Woodpecker, Peon Son... titles that await!' Cheers and best wishes for Xmas and beyond, Pam V," she'd added.

(Image: REX/Shutterstock)

Mark was married three times, first to Brix Smith Start in 1983, then divorcing her and tying the knot - briefly - to the band's fan club manager Safron Pryor.

He then met Elena Poulou in 2000 and she joined the band as keyboardist in 2002. They split in 2016, and last year Mark said they remained on good terms.

"Things happen. To be honest I'm happier now. It was just like, 'Why am I doing this?' And then you think you're going to go back feeling sorry for yourself but actually it's all right," he said in what's thought to be his final interview, published in the Independent in December 2017.

(Image: Birmingham Mail)

(Image: PA Archive/Press Association Images)

"People go, 'Oh here you go again', but I've been through divorce. I don't see it as a bad thing."

Brix paid tribute to Mark online, writing: "I'm taking the news in right now. I will put a statement out tomorrow.

"I hope you will all understand. Thank you for your lovely messages, they mean a lot. I love you, Brix."