Pioneering grunge icon, Mark Lanegan has passed away, aged 57. The sudden loss of the legendary Screaming Trees lead singer has sent shock waves through the global music community. No cause of death has been revealed at this time. 

The devastating news was shared in a statement from Lanegan’s official Twitter account reading: “Our beloved friend Mark Lanegan passed away this morning at his home in Killarney, Ireland. A beloved singer, songwriter, author, and musician he was 57 and is survived by his wife Shelley. No other information is available at this time. The family asks everyone to respect their privacy at this time.” 

Our beloved friend Mark Lanegan passed away this morning at his home in Killarney, Ireland. A beloved singer, songwriter, author and musician he was 57 and is survived by his wife Shelley. No other information is available at this time. We ask Please respect the family privacy

— mark lanegan (@marklanegan) February 22, 2022

Mark Lanegan first emerged from the melting pot of angsty talent in the Seattle grunge, fronting one of the scenes' most pivotal acts, the Screaming Trees. The philosophically bleak, shaggy-haired psychedelic-leaning quartet were among the groups who laid down the blueprint for quintessential of ’90s angst, soaring out of the underground with some massive Top Ten hits, including Nearly Lost You and All I Know. 

Screaming Trees | ‘Nearly Lost You’

In 1990s, Lanegan also launched his own solo career – while still an active member of the Trees – releasing an album titled The Winding Sheet, that featured guest appearances from Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic. The (then) up and comers were massive fans, demonstrating Lanegan’s immense impact on the impending grunge explosion. 

Mark Lanegan ft. Kurt Cobain | ‘Down In The Dark’

As the 90s turned into the 2000s, grunge left but Lanegan and his soulfully gruff, cut-to-the-heart voice remained. While continuing with his solo career – which produced eleven albums in total – Lanegan made frequent guest appearances with every one from former Belle and Sebastian singer Isobel Campbell to hard-rock-post-grunge outfit Queens of the Stone Age, and many more. Using the power of his voice, he transcended eras and genres across decades: the undeniable mark of a timeless icon. 

Queens of the Stone Age ft. Mark Lanegan on vocals | ‘In The Fade /Feel Good Hit Of The Summer’

Tributes to the beloved musician have been pouring in across social media, from former Joy Division and New Order bassist Peter Hook, Iggy Pop, John Cale and more. 

Mark Lanegan was a lovely man. He led a wild life that some of us could only dream of. He leaves us with fantastic words and music! Thank god that through all of that he will live forever. RIP Mark. Sleep well. Love Hooky. X pic.twitter.com/Xnx76y68YC

— Peter Hook (@peterhook) February 22, 2022

I can't process this. Mark Lanegan will always be etched in my heart - as he surely touched so many with his genuine self, no matter the cost, true to the end. xx jc pic.twitter.com/VDL176nbJu

— John Cale (@therealjohncale) February 22, 2022

MESSAGE FROM IGGY:
Mark Lanegan, RIP, deepest respect for you. Your fan,
Iggy Pop

— Iggy Pop (@IggyPop) February 22, 2022

Lanegan is survived by his wife, Shelley. His loss leaves a massive hole in the music world, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time. 

Vale to a true music icon. 

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