Legendary vocalist Scott Walker has died at the age of 76.
News was confirmed by his label 4AD, who issued his sterling final works, including a stunning collaboration with Sunn O))).
A true original, Scott Walker – born Noel Scott Engel – initially found fame as a member of The Walker Brothers, his brooding baritone becoming one of pop's most distinctive instruments.
Becoming a solo artist, a series of daring, adventurous albums pushed the format to the limit, referencing Existential literature, French cinema, modern classical composition, and so much more.
Vastly influential, Scott Walker then stepped back into the shadows for the bulk of the 70s, emerging with a reformed Walker Brothers in 1978 to help spearhead their album 'Nite Flights'.
A constant evangelist for new ideas, Scott Walker's enigmatic persona was matched only by the blistering light of his output – curating Meltdown in 2000, his signing to 4AD in 2004 helped usher in another magnificent chapter.
Essentially given free creative reign, albums such as 'Bish Bosch' and 'Soused' obliterated the rules, truly singular works of art that forges fresh pathways.
Clash is working on a longer tribute to the man and his work – Scott Walker, Rest In Power.
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Scott Walker. Scott was 76 years old and is survived by his daughter, Lee, his granddaughter, Emmi-Lee, and his partner Beverly: https://t.co/awaFXWOkja pic.twitter.com/nd6MYVmWaO
— 4AD (@4AD_Official) March 25, 2019
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A number of artists have paid tribute to Scott Walker – here's a selection…
So very sad to hear that Scott Walker has passed away, he was a huge influence on Radiohead and myself, showing me how i could use my voice and words. Met him once at Meltdown, such a kind gentle outsider. He will be very missed. https://t.co/v33Ey91hbn
— Thom Yorke (@thomyorke) March 25, 2019
So very sad to hear about Scott Walker…. truly one of the greats.. so unique and a real artist. On my way to work on the first day of recording OK Computer I passed him riding his bike on Chiswick High Street.. and when I got to the studio Thom was holding a copy of Scott 4..
— nigel godrich (@nigelgod) March 25, 2019
Absolutely saddened shocked by the death of Scott Walker . He gave me so much inspiration so much I owe to him and modelled on him even down to my early S C hair cut and dark glasses .… https://t.co/ux5f9B1rjh
— Marc Almond (@MarcAlmond) March 25, 2019
3 minutes 49 is the beginning of the saddest moment ever committed to vinyl https://t.co/byUAICVmfN God, I love Scott Walker. goodbye mate
— mark stewart (@_markstewart) March 25, 2019
Real sad to read that Scott Walker has passed away. One of the purest voices I’ve ever experienced, his music has been with me all my life.
Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/8J6zWfjiMu
— erol alkan (@erolalkan) March 25, 2019
I’ll be forever celebrating Scott Walker pic.twitter.com/ddI1frFZ1D
— Nadine Shah (@nadineshah) March 25, 2019
RIP Scott Walker. Bowie's reaction here tells you everything pic.twitter.com/sYftBKF7ta
— Darren Richman (@darrenrichman) March 25, 2019
RIP Scott Walker pic.twitter.com/FK699ELnVi
— Brian Eno (@dark_shark) March 25, 2019
Incredibly saddened by the news SCOTT O))). Rest in peace great maestro. It was and honor to meet you and spend a small time and space sharing your creative universe. An unbelievably rich and affirming experience, your courage and passion for the depth of the creative source.
— Stephen F. O'Malley (@IdeologicOrgan) March 25, 2019
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