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Tim Smith RIP

Tim Smith, leader of the eccentric band Cardiacs, has died at the age of 59 after many years of health problems. Cardiacs was known for intense and complicated music that combined punk energy with the rhythmic and harmonic sophistication of progressive rock.

by Jon Davis, Published 2020-07-22

Tim Smith was born July 3, 1961 in the historic town of Carshalton in South London. Starting in the 70s, he played in a series of bands, and by 1980 had put together Cardiac Arrest and recorded a cassette album called The Obvious Identity. The band name was shortened to Cardiacs, and the band was selected by Fish to open for Marillion in 1984, though hostile reaction from fans dogged them. That same year, Smith formed the label Alphabet Business Concern to release Cardiacs recordings, as well as related projects.

With the construction of his own studio, Smith moved into production work, both audio and video. He worked with a wide variety of artists outside the Cardiacs family of bands, including Sepultura, Dark Star, Zu, and others.

Smith's health took a turn for the worse in 2008, when he suffered a heart attack that led to multiple complications which persisted for years. Numerous benefit events were held to support his medical needs.

His death on July 21, 2020 was announced by his brother (and former bandmate) Jim Smith. A final Cardiacs album was in the works as of his passing, and its future is not yet known.

Filed under: Obituaries

Related artist(s): Cardiacs

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