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Mark Linkous, RIP

10:11 AM GMT 08/03/2010

Mark Linkous, RIP. Sparklehorse man takes own life.

Mark Linkous, the man who recorded under the Sparklehorse moniker for the last 15 years, committed suicide on Saturday (March 6) in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was 47.

Linkous' family released the following statement over the weekend: "It is with great sadness that we share the news that our dear friend and family member, Mark Linkous, took his own life today. We are thankful for his time with us and will hold him forever in our hearts. May his journey be peaceful, happy and free. There's a heaven and there's a star for you."

Linkous first appeared as Sparklehorse in 1995, releasing debut LP Vivadixiesubmarinetransmissionplot in August of that year (1996 in the UK). Its mix of lo-fi beauty and gothic alt.country - "like Neil Young singing through an aperture in a pan scourer," noted MOJO - was widely acclaimed, but an overdose while touring with Radiohead in the wake of its release nearly killed him, and complications left Linkous wheelchair-bound for six months. 1998's mordant Good Morning Spider proved a courageous and brilliant comeback and 2001's Dave Fridmann-produced It's A Wonderful Life drew on collaborations with admirers including Tom Waits and Polly Harvey.

His last solo LP, Dreamt For Light Years In The Belly Of A Mountain, was released in 2006. The Dark Night of the Soul, a lost album recorded with Danger Mouse, the director David Lynch and a host of other musicians, is to be given a proper release in the summer.

Linkous is survived by his wife Teresa, his parents and his three brothers.

A full tribute will appear in a future issue of MOJO magazine.

Posted by Ross_Bennett at 10:11 AM GMT 08/03/2010

Related MOJO content:

Mark Linkous , Sparklehorse

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  • "Another one bites the dust" Poor soul.
    R.I.P.

    Posted by ROBERT CROWE at 2:41 PM GMT 08/03/2010 Report Abuse

    Reply to this post

  • It's a Wonderful Life is a superb album. He will be missed.

    Posted by Mike at 10:27 AM GMT 09/03/2010 Report Abuse

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  • Whilst "pop" music is largely clogged with rubbish and hype, there's always a small band of true souls that bring the light - Mr. Linkous was one of these, crafting exquisite records at his own pace, everyone a true gem. Truly saddned by this news and cant not but help feeling for his family - what drives us to do these things? Rest easy on your journey - like Elliot Smith and Vic Chesnutt, sadly missed. Ain't it always the quiet ones - another great loss.

    Posted by Tim Joyce at 11:26 AM GMT 12/03/2010 Report Abuse

    Reply to this post

  • Whilst "pop" music is largely clogged with rubbish and hype, there's always a small band of true souls that bring the light - Mr. Linkous was one of these, crafting exquisite records at his own pace, everyone a true gem. Truly saddned by this news and cant not but help feeling for his family - what drives us to do these things? Rest easy on your journey - like Elliot Smith and Vic Chesnutt, sadly missed. Ain't it always the quiet ones - another great loss.

    Posted by Tim Joyce at 11:28 AM GMT 12/03/2010 Report Abuse

    Reply to this post

  • Whilst "pop" music is largely clogged with rubbish and hype, there's always a small band of true souls that bring the light - Mr. Linkous was one of these, crafting exquisite records at his own pace, everyone a true gem. Truly saddned by this news and cant not but help feeling for his family - what drives us to do these things? Rest easy on your journey - like Elliot Smith and Vic Chesnutt, sadly missed. Ain't it always the quiet ones - another great loss.

    Posted by Anonymous at 11:31 AM GMT 12/03/2010 Report Abuse

    Reply to this post

  • RE: Anonymous
    Say that again please.

    Posted by Arthur Lowe at 11:59 AM GMT 12/03/2010 Report Abuse

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