Radiohead, More Pay Tribute to Sparklehorse’s Mark Linkous
Friends and relatives of Sparklehorse leader Mark Linkous have been sharing memories of the gifted musician, who took his own life this weekend, in online tributes today. As Rolling Stone reported, Linkous shot himself in the heart in Tennessee Saturday afternoon. He was 47. In a post on Radiohead’s Dead Air Space, Colin Greenwood reminisces about touring with Sparklehorse during the OK Computer era, writing, “Mark wrote and played some beautiful music, and we’re lucky to have it.” It was on tour with Radiohead that Linkous technically died for two minutes in 1996 after ingesting a dangerous mix of Valium and antidepressants.
Linkous’ family released a statement that reads, “We are thankful for his time with us and will hold him forever in our hearts. May his journey be peaceful, happy and free.” Friends and collaborators including Metric, Counting Crows, Kristen Hersh — also a good friend of Vic Chesnutt, who like Linkous appeared on Dark Night of the Soul and recently took his own life — and Christian Fennesz, who paired with Sparklehorse on 2009’s In the Fishtank 15, have reacted to the loss of Linkous in a variety of personal statements. To read all the tributes, plus more on Linkous from the RS archives, keep reading.
Radiohead’s Colin Greenwood: I was very sad to hear the news that Mark Linkous has died. He and his band toured with us in Europe, at the start of OK Computer, and they were great every night. His first two records were very important to me, and I carried his music from the tour into my life, and my friends’ lives too. He was softly spoken, with an Old South courtesy I hadn’t heard before: he introduced me to Daniel Johnston’s music, and the West Virginian writing of Pinckney Benedict. Mark wrote and played some beautiful music, and we’re lucky to have it. Rest in Peace.
The Linkous Family: “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.” – March 6, 2010
Christian Fennesz: “It was with joy and pride that I had the honour to work with Mark. I can’t describe how much I will miss him, but I am comforted in the knowledge that he has found peace.”
Kristen Hersh: “just found out about mark linkous…so, so sad…”
Counting Crows: “My friend Cinjun just called and told me that Mark Linkous shot himself. Sparklehorse was one of the best bands I ever heard. ‘Saturday’ is his most beautiful song. He died yesterday. I’m putting on some headphones. RIP Mark”
Metric: “Back in nyc. Don’t care about the Oscars. Thinking only of our latest loss too soon, Mark Linkous. Listening to Sparklehorse and saying …”
• Sparklehorse Revel in Life After Death
• Sparklehorse’s Good Life
• The Birth of Dark Night of the Soul
• All Sparklehorse Album Reviews