The Fall (band)

The Fall

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1976 in Prestwich, Greater Manchester, England
Founder	Mark E. Smith
Headquarters	Prestwich , England
Products	Music albums, singles, live recordings

The Fall was a British post-punk group established in 1976 in Prestwich, Greater Manchester. Vocalist and founder Mark E. Smith remained the sole permanent member amid frequent personnel changes. Notable long-serving contributors encompassed drummers Paul Hanley, Simon Wolstencroft, and Karl Burns; guitarists Craig Scanlon, Marc Riley, and Brix Smith; as well as bassist Steve Hanley, whose distinctive melodic bass playing heavily influenced the band's sound from early 1980s releases such as Hex Enduction Hour through the late 1990s.

Originating from the punk scene of the late 1970s, The Fall's musical style developed alongside shifts in membership, marked by harsh, repetitive guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and Smith’s acerbic lyricism. Although they never broke into mainstream popularity beyond a few modest charting singles during the late 1980s and early 1990s, they cultivated a devoted cult audience.

Recognized as "the most prolific band of the British post-punk movement," The Fall produced 31 studio albums from 1979 until 2017, supplemented by numerous live recordings and compilations—some released despite Smith’s opposition. DJ John Peel, who frequently featured them on his BBC Peel Sessions, dubbed them "the Mighty Fall," praising their ability to maintain a consistent yet evolving sound. The band ceased activity following Smith’s passing in 2018.

Late 1970s: formative period

Formed in Prestwich, England in 1976 by Mark E. Smith, Martin Bramah, Una Baines, and Tony Friel, The Fall drew inspiration from bands such as Can, the Velvet Underground, Captain Beefheart, and garage rock groups like the Monks and the Stooges. Smith also cited literary influences including H. P. Lovecraft and Raymond Chandler. After witnessing a performance by the Sex Pistols in 1976, the members decided to create their own band. The name "The Fall" was proposed by Friel, taken from an Albert Camus novel. Smith assumed vocal duties, Bramah handled guitar, Friel played bass, and Baines initially provided improvised percussion before switching to keyboards due to limited equipment availability. Their sound focused on raw, repetitive elements, exemplified by the track "Repetition," which became emblematic of their approach.

Their debut gig took place on 23 May 1977 at the North West Arts basement venue. The original drummer, identified only as "Dave" or "Steve," was later confirmed as Steve Ormrod but departed after one show due to political disagreements. He was succeeded by Karl Burns. The band attracted the interest of Buzzcocks manager Richard Boon, who financed their initial recording session; however, financial difficulties prevented the release of their debut EP Bingo-Master's Break-Out! on Boon's label. Their first vinyl appearance came in June 1978 with two tracks featured on Virgin Records' live compilation Short Circuit: Live at the Electric Circus.

During 1977–78, significant lineup alterations took place. Kay Carroll became their manager and occasional backing vocalist while also being Smith’s partner. Friel exited in December 1977 due to disputes over management and was briefly replaced by Jonnie Brown followed by Eric McGann. In February 1978, the band appeared on Granada TV's What's On with a lineup of Smith, Bramah, Burns, Baines, and McGann. Baines left after suffering a drug overdose in March 1978 and was replaced by Yvonne Pawlett; McGann departed in May amid internal tensions. It was during this period that The Fall recorded their first of twenty-four sessions for influential DJ John Peel, who became an important advocate for the group. Martin Bramah attributed early personnel departures to Smith’s leadership style combined with Carroll’s partiality.

Marc Riley progressed from being a roadie to taking over bass duties during this timeframe. The EP Bingo-Master's Break-Out! finally saw release in August 1978 via Step Forward Records, followed by the single "It's the New Thing" in November. Their debut album Live at the Witch Trials was tracked within a single day and released in March 1979. Shortly after recording, Burns left and was replaced by Mike Leigh; Bramah exited in April 1979 to establish Blue Orchids with Una Baines. Marc Riley moved to guitar while Craig Scanlon and Steve Hanley joined on guitar and bass respectively—Hanley's melodic bass playing became a defining feature of The Fall’s music for almost twenty years. Smith lauded Hanley’s instinctive musicianship as crucial to shaping their sound.

Yvonne Pawlett departed in July 1979; she later became part of Shy Tots. On 30 July 1979, they released the single "Rowche Rumble" featuring Smith, Scanlon, Riley, Hanley, Pawlett, and Leigh; Pawlett soon left again thereafter. Their sophomore album Dragnet, recorded in August 1979 at Cargo Studios and issued that October, showcased a more stripped-down and jagged sonic approach compared to their debut. Reportedly dissatisfied with its sound quality, the studio declined crediting themselves on the album sleeve to avoid deterring prospective clients.

1980–1982: Defining the Classic Era

On 13 January 1980, The Fall issued their fourth single, "Fiery Jack," marking their final release with Step Forward Records. By March, Mike Leigh departed from the band, succeeded by Paul Hanley—Steve Hanley's younger brother—who made his live debut at London’s Electric Ballroom on 21 March at just sixteen years old, while still attending school. Subsequently, the band parted ways with Step Forward and signed to Rough Trade, issuing Totale's Turns in May 1980, an album predominantly featuring live recordings from performances in 1979.

November 1980 saw the release of The Fall’s third studio album, Grotesque (After the Gramme),, which topped the UK Indie Chart. Produced by Rough Trade’s Geoff Travis alongside Mayo Thompson of Red Krayola, this album represented a notable advancement in production quality that would persist in their subsequent works. Despite this progress, Mark E. Smith became increasingly disillusioned with Rough Trade’s political stance. This dissatisfaction was reflected in April 1981 with the release of Slates, a deliberately unorthodox 10" EP priced at £2. By the end of that year, The Fall had left Rough Trade and signed with the independent label Kamera.

Prior to embarking on a US tour following Slates, Paul Hanley was refused a visa due to age restrictions related to venues serving alcohol. To fill his role temporarily, Smith invited Karl Burns back into the fold; recordings from this tour were later issued in 1982 as A Part of America Therein, 1981. Burns remained alongside Hanley as a second drummer. Their initial collaborative recording was the single "Lie Dream of a Casino Soul," produced by Richard Mazda, released exclusively in Australia and New Zealand in November 1981.

Hex Enduction Hour, produced again by Mazda, was released on Kamera Records on 8 March 1982. The seventh single "Look, Know" followed on 19 April, with the album Room to Live arriving on 27 September. At year’s end, Marc Riley was dismissed after tensions culminated in a physical altercation during an Australian tour. In response, Riley’s band "The Creepers" released "Jumper Clown," a track referencing his dismissal and parodying Smith’s style.

This timeframe is widely regarded as one of The Fall's most creatively fertile periods. Ned Raggett from AllMusic characterized these years around Riley's involvement as "three years during which the band couldn't seem to make a wrong step."

1983–1989: The Brix Smith Era

In 1983, Rough Trade issued The Fall’s ninth single, "The Man Whose Head Expanded," followed by their tenth single and double pack "Kicker Conspiracy" on 19 September. Later that year, Kamera Records released approximately two to three thousand copies of the delayed single "Marquis Cha Cha," originally recorded in 1982.

That same year marked the arrival of American guitarist Brix Smith—later Mark E. Smith’s spouse—who was born Laura Elise Salenger and earned her nickname from her fondness for The Clash’s "The Guns of Brixton." Brix's involvement introduced a shift toward more structured songwriting with catchy pop elements that broadened the band's appeal. Her influence extended beyond music to fashion, prompting members to adopt a more polished appearance that contrasted with their previous working-class aesthetic. Brix made her live debut with The Fall on 21 September 1983 at Wakefield’s Hellfire Club.

The album Perverted by Language, released on 5 December, was both The Fall's final release through Rough Trade and their first featuring Brix. Additionally, Flying Nun Records issued In a Hole, a live album recorded during a New Zealand concert in 1982.

This era is highly regarded by critics and fans alike for Brix’s contribution to expanding The Fall’s commercial reach. The band attained moderate UK chart success with singles including covers like R. Dean Taylor's "There's a Ghost in My House" (peaking at no. 30 in 1987) and the Kinks' "Victoria" (no. 35 in 1988), alongside originals such as "Hey! Luciani" (no. 59 in 1986) and "Hit the North" (no. 57 in 1987). Critically acclaimed albums from this period include The Wonderful and Frightening World of the Fall (1984), This Nation's Saving Grace (1985), Bend Sinister (1986), and The Frenz Experiment (1988). Notably, I Am Kurious, Oranj emerged from a ballet collaboration between Smith and dancer Michael Clark. Keyboard contributions came from Simon Rogers initially and later Marcia Schofield.

Personnel shifts included Paul Hanley leaving during the tour supporting The Wonderful and Frightening World of the Fall, with Simon Wolstencroft replacing Karl Burns on drums after This Nation's Saving Grace. Wolstencroft’s dynamic and funky drumming style significantly altered the band’s sound profile. In his memoir You Can Drum But You Can't Hide, published in 2014, Wolstencroft detailed his eleven-year tenure with The Fall.

1990–2000: Transition and Experimentation

Following Brix's exit in 1989, Martin Bramah briefly rejoined for the recording of Extricate in 1990—the first among three albums released under Phonogram Records. During this decade, The Fall maintained a modest presence on UK charts with singles such as "Telephone Thing" (no. 58, 1990), "White Lightning" (no. 56, 1990), "Free Range" (no. 40, 1992), and "Why Are People Grudgeful" (no. 43, 1993). Prior to the release of Shift-Work in 1991, Bramah and Schofield were dismissed from the lineup.

Keyboards were added by Dave Bush for the album Code: Selfish in 1992. Subsequently, the band returned to an independent label for releases including The Infotainment Scan (1993), Middle Class Revolt (1994), and Cerebral Caustic (1995). These albums incorporated electronic music elements such as electronica and IDM through Bush’s keyboard work and programming.

Brix made an unexpected return during this period contributing to The Light User Syndrome, before departing again in 1996. Following Bush’s departure to join Elastica, longtime guitarist Scanlon was dismissed—a decision Mark E. Smith later regretted. Julia Nagle joined late in 1994 to support promotion for Cerebral Caustic and contributed to The Light User Syndrome. Beginning in 1996, Receiver Records started releasing numerous compilations featuring live recordings, demos, and alternative versions.

The Fall performed at the Phoenix Festival twice during this decade—in both 1994 and unexpectedly again in 1996. Their experimental album Levitate (1997), which explored drum and bass influences, elicited divided opinions among critics and fans alike; drummer Simon Wolstencroft departed mid-recording and was replaced by Karl Burns once more. Steven Wells of the NME described it as potentially "the best or worst record you’ve ever heard." A brief US tour in 1998 ended abruptly amid onstage disputes when Smith unplugged amplifiers and engaged physically with Burns; this incident led to longtime bassist Steve Hanley (19 years), Burns himself, and guitarist Tommy Crooks leaving the group.

Following these events, Smith was arrested for assaulting Julia Nagle at their hotel; despite this incident Nagle remained with the band. Together they released two albums: The Marshall Suite (1999) and The Unutterable (2000).

2001–2017: Later Developments

Significant lineup changes occurred again in 2001 with Mark E. Smith leading new members Ben Pritchard (guitar), Ed Blaney (guitar), Jim Watts (bass), and Spencer Birtwistle (drums). This ensemble produced Are You Are Missing Winner, which received mixed critical reactions. Later that year Birtwistle was replaced by Dave Milner.

In 2002, Elena Poulou—Smith’s third wife—joined as keyboardist; that same year Q magazine listed The Fall among “50 Bands to See Before You Die.” Their follow-up album The Real New Fall LP appeared in 2003 along with additional tracks tailored for US audiences.

Further lineup adjustments included Steve Trafford taking over bass duties from Watts while Birtwistle returned on drums. In 2004 they released both a career-spanning compilation and a new studio album titled Interim.

BBC Four broadcasted a documentary about The Fall in January 2005 coinciding with their twenty-fifth studio album release—Fall Heads Roll—in October of that year. During their US tour in early 2006, guitarist, bassist, and drummer all departed suddenly; Smith later described this upheaval as “the best thing that ever happened” to the band.

Their next album ‘’Reformation Post TLC’’ came out in 2007 featuring members salvaged from that turbulent US tour lineup. A more stable group including Peter Greenway on guitar, David Spurr on bass, and Keiron Melling on drums followed with releases such as ‘’Imperial Wax Solvent’’ (2008) among others.

In April 2009 The Fall signed with UK indie label Domino Records, releasing ‘’Your Future Our Clutter’’ in 2010 and ‘’Ersatz GB’’ in 2011. They appeared at the All Tomorrow's Parties festival curated by Jeff Mangum in 2012 before issuing their twenty-ninth studio effort ‘’Re-Mit’’ in 2013.

In 2014 former members Brix Smith Start along with Steve Hanley and Paul Hanley formed Brix & the Extricated, performing original songs alongside material from their time with The Fall; both Smith Start and Steve Hanley published memoirs reflecting on their experiences within the band.

Their thirtieth studio album ‘’Sub-Lingual Tablet’’ was released in 2015; it marked Elena Poulou's final recording before her departure from both band membership and marriage to Mark E. Smith in 2016. The band's last studio record ‘’New Facts Emerge’’, recorded as a quartet without Poulou but shortly joined by Michael Clapham on keyboards who did not participate in recordings, was released July 2017.

Following Smith's death Greenway, Spurr, and Melling formed Imperial Wax, recruiting singer-guitarist Sam Curran.

Death of Mark E. Smith

Mark E. Smith experienced significant health deterioration throughout early 2017 which led to multiple cancelled or postponed concerts including a week-long stint scheduled for New York City. Due to weakness caused by medication adjustments he performed some shows seated in a wheelchair.

His final public performance took place at Glasgow’s Queen Margaret Union on November 4th that year; a subsequent show scheduled for Bristol on November 29th was cancelled after he became too ill to leave his hotel room—the band briefly appeared alone on stage to apologize for this cancellation.

Smith passed away at home in Prestwich, Greater Manchester, aged sixty on January 24th, 2018 following an extended illness diagnosed as terminal lung and kidney cancer—a condition announced publicly by his partner Pamela Vander who also managed The Fall.

Throughout his life he struggled with substance abuse issues including alcoholism and drug use requiring multiple treatments; health complications led to several falls causing bone fractures which forced him into performing while using wheelchairs or casts during mid-2000s tours.

Despite chronic respiratory ailments linked to heavy smoking habits he maintained an intense work ethic releasing new material almost annually until his death.

Posthumous Releases

In August of 2018 Cherry Red Records, which served as The Fall's final label under Smith's tenure acquired rights to forty albums from his catalog prior to his passing announcing plans for reissues along with box set editions.

Smith's Vocal Delivery & Lyricism

Mark E. Smith's vocal approach was notable for frequently appending an extra schwa sound ("ah") at phrase endings containing consonants. His delivery often blended spoken word elements with slurred singing especially prominent from mid-1990s onward featuring rambling improvisational monologues during live shows.

His lyrics were rendered through a thick Mancunian accent characterized by cryptic imagery combining absurdism with inscrutability. Critic Simon Reynolds described them as embodying “Northern English magic realism,” fusing industrial bleakness with uncanny themes delivered via a unique monotone style oscillating between ranting tirades and storytelling yarns.

Smith sought to meld “primitive music” foundations with intellectually dense lyrics focusing thematically on urban grotesques, bleak settings, eccentric historical references (“crackpot history”), alongside regional slang expressions.

An obituary likened him to “part-Anthony Burgess part-punk Andy Capp,” underscoring his fierce artistic intelligence.

Handwritten fragments of his lyrics often adorned early album covers alongside collages crafted personally by Smith who explained in a ’83 interview that he preferred artwork mirroring album content drawing inspiration from inexpensive misspelled posters or amateur local newspaper layouts reflecting his musical ethos.

Impact & Legacy

Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic observed that “like many cult bands,” The Fall inspired successive generations across underground scenes spanning UK indie rock through American and New Zealand acts reflecting their enduring devoted fanbase.

Artists citing influence include Pavement, Franz Ferdinand, Black Country, New Road, Yung Lean, Happy Mondays, Sonic Youth—who covered three tracks during a famous Peel session resulting in EP "4 Tunna Brix." Additionally These New Puritans, LCD Soundsystem have acknowledged inspiration drawn from The Fall.

During their world tour in 2013 The Pixies performed covers such as “Big New Prinz.” Indie acts from the ’90s like Pavement—which recorded “The Classical”—and Elastica—with contributions from Smith—also demonstrated clear musical debt while Suede parodied them via “Implement Yeah!” featured on cassette editions of their single “[Electricity].”

Members

Main article: List of the Fall band members

Since forming in ’76 Mark E. Smith remained The Fall’s only constant member; all original founders had exited by ’79 except Martin Bramah who briefly rejoined between ’89–’90.

Over four decades approximately sixty-six musicians cycled through various lineups—with about one-third lasting less than twelve months each.

At time of dissolution the lineup consisted of Smith alongside Pete Greenway, Dave Spurr, Keiron Melling plus Michael Clapham who joined shortly before disbandment; Melling Spurr & Greenway all joined circa ’06.

Smith wryly remarked about constant personnel shifts: “If it’s me and your granny on bongos it’s The Fall.”

Discography

Main article: The Fall discography

Studio Albums

Live at the Witch Trials (1979) Dragnet (1979) Grotesque (After the Gramme) (1980) Hex Enduction Hour (1982) Room to Live (1982) Perverted by Language (1983) The Wonderful and Frightening World Of... (1984) This Nation's Saving Grace (1985) Bend Sinister (1986) The Frenz Experiment (1988) I Am Kurious Oranj (1988) Extricate (1990) Shift-Work (1991) Code: Selfish (1992) The Infotainment Scan (1993) Middle Class Revolt (1994)

Cerebral Caustic (1995) The Light User Syndrome (1996) Levitate (1997) The Marshall Suite (1999) The Unutterable (2000) Are You Are Missing Winner (2001) The Real New Fall LP (Formerly Country on the Click) (2003) Fall Heads Roll (2005) Reformation Post TLC (2007) Imperial Wax Solvent (2008) Your Future Our Clutter (2010) Ersatz GB (2011) Re-Mit (2013) Sub-Lingual Tablet (2015) New Facts Emerge (2017)

References

Sources

Bibliography

Source:

• Hanley, Steve. "The Big Midweek: Life Inside The Fall." London: Route Publishing, 2014. ISBN 978-1-9019-2758-0

External links

• Official site
• The Fall online (previously known as The Official Fall Website)
• The Fall in Fives Comprehensive reviews of each album or EP
• Life in The Fall Conversation featuring Steve Hanley, Brix Smith, and Mark Riley