Tim Smith obit

Tim Smith, singer with influential rock band Cardiacs, dies aged 59

He was not on the list.

Tim Smith, the charismatic frontman of influential British rock band Cardiacs, has died at the age of 59.

The cult group formed in 1977 and have been cited as an influence by the likes of Blur and Radiohead.

They amassed a dedicated fanbase in the 80s but had been on hiatus since 2008, when Smith suffered brain damage after a heart attack and two strokes.

Smith's brother and bandmate Jim wrote on their website on Wednesday that he "passed away suddenly last night".

Two years ago, the band revealed the singer had developed the rare neurological disorder dystonia, which impaired his ability to speak and caused muscle spasms.

Cardiacs, originally known as Cardiac Arrest, fused punk rock with more melodious art-pop, thrash metal, prog and psychedelia.

When the Surrey-born Smith brothers formed the band, Tim originally took on guitar and backing vocal duties, before a personnel change saw him promoted to frontman.

'Magical' performer

They released eight albums and would also inspire bands like Napalm Death and Faith No More.

In 2011, Blur frontman Damon Albarn told Louder Than War: "Cardiacs were an early inspiration for all of us in Blur. I remember one of their gigs at ULU. It was amazing, one of the most magical live performances I've ever seen."

Writing in The Guardian in 2015, journalist Pete Cashmore described them as "uncategorisable - a band who could be lovely one moment and unlistenable the next. But they inspire fierce devotion".

On Wednesday, Mary Wren, who ran Cardiacs' record label, wrote: "His fans loved him. He changed people for the better. He saved lives.

"His music was a refuge for those in need and he never locked his door or turned anyone away. I feel as if church bells across the land should be ringing out his name."