Mark Linkous, the Virginia-born indie-rock fixture best known for his work in the lo-fi psych-folk project Sparklehorse, as well as for collaborations with artists ranging from Danger Mouse to Tom Waits, Iggy Pop and PJ Harvey, died March 6th of a self-inflicted gun shot wound.
He came very close to dying once before, while touring with Radiohead in 1996; an overdose of pills, alcohol and anti-depressants caused him to lose consciousness in a London hotel room for 14 hours, with his legs pinned beneath him. His subsequent heart attack left him legally dead for several minutes, and the time he spent unconscious without circulation to his legs put him in a wheelchair for six months.
Ironically, that incident helped inspire one of his most commercially and critically successful albums, 2001′s fragile, haunting It’s a Wonderful Life. Watch the original video for the title track below, directed by Guy Maddin:
Like Vic Chesnutt, who also recently took his own life, Linkous wrestled with depression and ongoing health problems, but also made that struggle an important part of his music. Though it would be presumptive to guess why they both decided to go when they did, it’s a similarly sad loss for the rock community, and for the loved ones they left behind.
Linkous’s publicist has not announced yet what will happen with a recently recorded and reportedly unfinished Sparklehorse album, though one posthumous project, his Dark Night of the Soul collaboration with Danger Mouse and David Lynch (Vic Chesnutt is also a guest on one track), is slated for release this summer, after a drawn-out battle with record label EMI.
Pitchfork has rounded up some nice tributes from famous friends and fans here; you can do the same if you would like to in the comments section below.
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I loved Sparklehorse – an amazing songwriter/musician. R.I.P. Thanks for the songs… may you find your “shade and honey.”
thanks for that mini tribute Leah. Sparklehorse is amazing and not enough people know about his contribution to all things great in music over the years. Cheers!
growing up in richmond va in the late 90′s, sparklehorse was a big influence on the music i listen to now. someday, i will treat you fine…
I’m sad. What a loss. I send love and condolences to all family and friends.
Some sadness is relieved by the fact that EW is paying respect to a great artist. Thank you. His legacy will grow with time.
A couple of notes:
The Iggy Pop collaboration will be on the upcoming album.
The album ‘Good Morning Spider’ was the result of Mr. Linkous’ previous near-death experience.
Get a hold of ‘Vivadixiesubmarinetransmissionplot’…it will receive heavy rotation on your iPod.
Terrible Loss, Forever Will You Be Missed.
wow-just heard on npr-what a drag-sparklehorse was great pop crafted with found instruments from a nearby landfill-toy instruments and microphones! a huge influence on diy recoedists like me everwhere-godspeed Mark! RIP condolences to friends and fam-mr bogus
I hope he found peace. His music took me away…
Sparklehorse were one of the most underrated and under appreciated bands. I will miss your music and your voice, Mark. Thank you for touching my heart. I’m still in shock about the news. RIP, Mr. Linkous.
“it’s a wonderful life” has been one of my favorite and most played albums. I’ve spent winter nights in the basement by the furnace and summer nights in the garage watching the fireflies, listening to it. The record always elevated the atmosphere. To me it was like medicine and it made me feel warm and high. It made me feel like I was living in a movie, a dream of some sort, a good dream.
You were worth hundreds of sparrows….
Stunned. Mark’s words and music have been a huge part of my life for 15 years and his not being around is going to take some getting used to. RIP, man..Sad and beautiful world.
i was lucky to have briefly met mark, and he was unbelievably sweet. he was a kind, gentle man who was way too good for this world. rip mark. i loved your music, and i’m heartbroken you’re gone.
truly sad. mark’s music has marked so many moments of my life…what a wonderful artist. so sad to hear that this is the end of the music, and for all his friends and family..
“Death be not proud…though some have called thee mighty and dreadful, thou art not so. For soonest our best men with thee go, Rest of their bones and soul’s delivery. Those thou dost thinkest thou dost overthrow die not poor death…Nor canst thou kill me.” John Donne.
The sorrow over His passing is equalled only with the anger that He felt He had to do this. Suicide is everyone’s right if they choose but it’s a very selfish act for anyone to do to anyone else i.e. Friend,Family and Fans. The wonderful music,great lyrics and dream-like vocal stylings of Mark has been His gift to the world, His deed…The price we pay for His beautiful creations. “The pain is here.” R.I.P. Mark Linkous.
Sloan Incosis