Scott Walker: Tributes paid to 'influential genius'
- Published

The death of Scott Walker has prompted a host of tributes from his fellow musicians, among them Radiohead's Thom Yorke and Mani from the Stone Roses.
Yorke said he was "so very sad" to hear of Walker's passing, saying he had been "a huge influence".
"There's another one of the greats gone," wrote Gary Mounfield, aka Mani, saying he deserved the accolade genius.
Soft Cell's Mark Almond, meanwhile, said he had modelled his own look on the late singer's.
Absolutely saddened shocked by the death of Scott Walker . He gave me so much inspiration so much I owe to him and modelled on him even down to my early S C hair cut and dark glasses .… https://t.co/ux5f9B1rjh
— Marc Almond (@MarcAlmond) March 25, 2019
Wendy Smith, formerly of Prefab Sprout, said the death of "one of the most significant singer-songwriters of our era" was "another huge loss to music".
Another huge loss to music. One of the most significant singer-songwriters of our era. His un-mistakable voice, innovation & influence. Scott Walker, experimental pop hero, dies aged 76 https://t.co/f0DfGD8C9a
— Wendy Smith (@wendyfinnandmax) March 25, 2019
Poet Ian McMillan eloquently said Walker had had an "unforgettable" voice, "like a cathedral lit by a sunset."
Midge Ure of Ultravox also praised the way the singer sounded, describing him as "the man with the mahogany voice".
The BPI, the trade association representing the British Phonographic Industry, said Walker had been "a maverick explorer who never stopped trying to climb his own artistic Everest."
Disc jockey Mike Read said Walker was his "all-time favourite singer", writing that he was "torn apart" by the news of his death.
Fellow DJ Steve Penk also expressed sadness, calling Walker's "one of the most recognisable and iconic singing voices of the 1960's."
Labour's deputy leader Tom Watson was among others to pay tribute, remembering Walker as "one of the most original and stylish music makers of his generation."
Scott Walker, who has died aged 76, was one of the most original and stylish music makers of his generation. His legacy stretches from The Walker Brothers to a formidable solo career at the very edge of creative genius. My condolences to his family.https://t.co/6fxzRVc9ZP
— Tom Watson (@tom_watson) March 25, 2019
Born Noel Scott Engel in 1943, Walker first found fame as a teen idol but went on to release a series of experimental solo albums.
In recent years he worked as a film composer, writing the scores for such films as The Childhood of a Leader and the upcoming Vox Lux.
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- 25 March 2019
- 25 March 2019