Talk Talk singer Mark Hollis has died after a short illness at the age of 64, his longtime manager Keith Aspden has confirmed today.
Hollis was the founder, lead songwriter, singer and creative mastermind behind the 80s new wave band – who produced such classic tracks as It’s My Life, Life’s What You Make It, Today and Such A Shame.
Their albums, including Spirit of Eden, The Colour of Spring and Laughing Stock, have been hailed as "masterpieces".
Confirming his death, Aspden issued a statement today saying: “I can’t tell you how much Mark influenced and changed my perceptions on art and music.
"I’m grateful for the time I spent with him and for the gentle beauty he shared with us.”
News of the passing of Hollis – who retired from the music business around 20 years ago to lead a notoriously reclusive life out of the public eye – was initially revealed by a family member last night.
Numerous tributes were subsequently shared on Twitter – including from an ex bandmate and other former colleagues.
His cousin-in-law Anthony Costello tweeted on Monday: "RIP Mark Hollis. Cousin-in-law.
"Wonderful husband and father. Fascinating and principled man. Retired from the music business 20 years ago but an indefinable musical icon."
Talk Talk bassist Paul Webb – aka Rustin Man – tweeted about his former bandmate: "I am very shocked and saddened to hear the news of the passing of Mark Hollis.
"Musically he was a genius and it was a honour and a privilege to have been in a band with him.
"I have not seen Mark for many years, but like many musicians of our generation I have been profoundly influenced by his trailblazing musical ideas.
Meanwhile Tim Pope, who was known for directing the group’s music videos, also paid tribute to the musican.
He wrote: "Goodbye to Mark Hollis of Talk Talk.
"Condolences to his lovely family. We had many, many laughs together."
Hollis is credited with influencing numerous modern-day artists – from Radiohead to Sigur Ros.
Actor Elijah Wood tweeted: "Sad to hear that Mark Hollis has passed."
While Vampire Weekend’s Chris Baio wrote: "Mark Hollis changed my life. Thank you for everything."
Foals frontman Yannis Philippakis tweeted: "Hope he knew how much he meant to so many of us. RIP".
And Doves tweeted: "Goodbye Mark Hollis, we owe you so much, I can’t overstate the influence on us three as musicians and us as a band."
Hollis was notorious for refusing to "play that game" as he put it, when it came to promoting records, which frequently put him at odds with the ideals of record labels.
Hollis released his debut and what was to become his only solo album – titled Mark Hollis – in 1998, which he refused to tour.
When asked about his failure to keep any kind of public profile, he replied: “I choose for my family. Maybe others are capable of doing it, but I can’t go on tour and be a good dad at the same time.”
An article about his published last year was titled ‘How to Disappear Completely: When Musicians Retire For Good’.
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