Musician Tim Smith has died aged 59.
Smith was famously the frontman to Brit rock band Cardiacs, which he created with his brother James “Jim” A Smith.
The singer had difficulty with his speech and movement in his final years, after suffering a devastating heart attack in 2008.
Born in Surrey, Smith ignited his passion for music while still in school, forming a nameless psychedelic instrumental band with his friends.
In 1977, he formed Cardiacs, using synthesizer and drums to create rock music with a unique and varied style.
Cardiacs frontman Tim Smith has died aged 59 (Image: Redferns)
Making music together until the mid-noughties, the group released eight studio albums plus a number of live albums, compilation albums and singles.
In the 90s, Smith took a break from Cardiacs and pursued other creative projects, writing solo music and reuniting with an old music group, The Sea Nymphs.
The band went on a hiatus after Smith was hospitalised 12 years ago, when he suffered from a severe heart attack.
Smith was famously the frontman to Brit rock band Cardiacs
He went on to develop a rare neurological disorder named dystonia, which leads to repetitive muscle contractions.
In 2018, an appeal was launched on a crowdfunding website to raise funds for Smith’s treatment, aiming to raise £40,000 for his care.
Beloved by fans, the target was met in one day, with hundreds rushing to donate to the worthy cause.
im suffered a heart attack years ago and had difficulty with his speech and movement (Image: Redferns)
That same year, he received an Honorary Degree as Doctor of Music from The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, though his brother was forced to accept the honour on his behalf.
In an updated statement on his crowdfunding page, written in 2019, it was revealed the funds were helping to secure Smith’s electronic wheelchair, postural aids, and specialised transport.
The statement said: “Tim is now in a new facility, receiving top notch treatment from a multidisciplinary team with links to a specialist university unit.
“It’s early days, but the therapists there have said they are tremendously encouraged by his response to their ministrations so far.”
Since news of Smith’s death broke today, tributes have been flooding in from fans across the globe, paying tribute to his life and legacy.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
