His voice was other-worldly. His musical explorations were unparalleled. His influence was profound, leaving a mark on countless artists including David Bowie, Robert Plant, Radiohead, Arctic Monkeys, Jarvis Cocker, Julian Cope, Echo and the Bunnymen, Leonard Cohen, Damon Albarn, Brian Eno, Marc Almond, and many more.
The music world was stricken today with news that Scott Walker—born Noel Scott Engel—passed away at the age of seventy-six. First finding success as a young heartthrob with the Walker Brothers in the mid ’60s, Walker’s series of inventive solo albums upon leaving the band in 1967 defied categorization, incorporating elements of classical music, Jacques Brel–inspired cabaret, film scores, and avant-garde lyrics. After disappearing for much of the ’80s and ’90s, Walker resurfaced on 4AD Records in 1995 with the striking Tilt, connecting Walker to a new world of fans with his stark experimentalism. He remained active since then, releasing a string of progressive albums, while also producing Pulp (for their final album, We Love Life), collaborating with the drone-metal group Sunn O))) on the full-length Soused, singing on Bat For Lashes’ song “The Big Sleep,” and most recently, composing the music for the 2018 movie Vox Lux.
4AD records shared the news this morning. “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Scott Walker,” the label posted on its website. “Scott Walker has been a unique and challenging titan at the forefront of British music: audacious and questioning, he has produced works that dare to explore human vulnerability and the godless darkness encircling it.”
Today, scores of artists and fans have shared their thoughts on his passing. Here’s a sampling below, including tweets from Duran Duran, Brian Eno, and Thom Yorke.
So very sad to hear that Scott Walker has passed away, he was a huge influence on Radiohead and myself, showing me how i could use my voice and words. Met him once at Meltdown, such a kind gentle outsider. He will be very missed. https://t.co/v33Ey91hbn
— Thom Yorke (@thomyorke) March 25, 2019
So very sad to hear about Scott Walker…. truly one of the greats.. so unique and a real artist. On my way to work on the first day of recording OK Computer I passed him riding his bike on Chiswick High Street.. and when I got to the studio Thom was holding a copy of Scott 4..
— nigel godrich (@nigelgod) March 25, 2019
It’s sad to hear of the passing of Scott Walker. A true, lifelong artist – his last 3 records were heavily influential on us and our perspective – Integrity, depth, and an insistence on diving into the unknown. Love to his family and friends.
— LOW (@lowtheband) March 25, 2019
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
Scott Walker R.I.P.
— XTC (@xtcfans) March 25, 2019
damn. rip scott walker. that guy was wonderful.
— Open Mike Eagle (@Mike_Eagle) March 25, 2019
RIP Scott Walker pic.twitter.com/FK699ELnVi
— Brian Eno (@dark_shark) March 25, 2019
https://t.co/KBuJ1F4iNa RIP Scott Walker. I hope some in-depth articles are published about him, as his career was long and varied.
— car seat headrest (@carseatheadrest) March 25, 2019
FAREWELL TO SCOTT WALKER 1943 – 2019 – Sad to report the passing of Scott Walker at the age of 76, as announced by his record label, 4AD, this morning. Go here for a look at the Bowie/Walker connections and others who were a part of the story along the way https://t.co/KkcUxtkw43 pic.twitter.com/muHrW9H5nX
— David Bowie Official (@DavidBowieReal) March 25, 2019
Scott Walker RIP. https://t.co/d2fNSdt4eZ
— Johnny Marr (@Johnny_Marr) March 25, 2019
“A sad goodbye to Scott Walker – Thanks for the inspiration & fearless creation. There was no other voice quite like his, he was a truly unique artist.
In celebration of his life, here is a link to his version of Jacques Brel’s song “My Death” “ – Nick https://t.co/7DfRx6A43c pic.twitter.com/lofLzeBq2Q
— Duran Duran (@duranduran) March 25, 2019
“He influenced me greatly, not least in the style of my singing.. I naturally find myself doing Scott Walker inflections when I sing, and I don’t mind. I think every singer is a product of the people they loved listening to.”
Neil’s tribute @guardianmusic https://t.co/eyISk4iVjv pic.twitter.com/UGFi3pFZEH— The Divine Comedy (@divinecomedyhq) March 25, 2019
A particularly sad day for music.
RIP Scott Walker / thanks for being such a game changer.https://t.co/bVOsuK8Q9e— Glen Matlock (@GlenMatlock) March 25, 2019
Julian compiled The Godlike Genius of Scott Walker in 1981. I had never heard Scott (virtually all of his musical catalogue was at that time out of print). This immediately became, and remains, one of my favourite ever songs. https://t.co/7Qo9xaTbso
— Dorian Cope (@OnThisDeity) March 25, 2019
RIP the incredible singer, songwriter and experimental artist
Scott Walker RS pic.twitter.com/y75XwlvRYB— Ron Sexsmith (@RonSexsmith) March 25, 2019
It’s heartwarming to see the outpouring of grief and respect given to Scott Walker today in my timeline – it shows me that I know some pretty dynamic – and somehow softened the blow pic.twitter.com/tIZaFkMfvz
— anton newcombe (@antonnewcombe) March 25, 2019
And now the amazing Scott Walker has gone. But never to be forgotten. Bowie told me once how jealous he was after hearing Scott’s first solo album. High praise indeed.
— Jonathan Ross (@wossy) March 25, 2019
Sad to hear of the passing of Scott Walker. The Walker Brothers tour of 1967 was a seminal event in the careers of all the artists involved. pic.twitter.com/8Ele6xYRm3
— Yusuf / Cat Stevens (@YusufCatStevens) March 25, 2019
From pretty boy popstar in the 60s to one of David Bowie’s main inspirations, Scott Walker was completely unique. A rarity in the ecology of rock ‘n’ roll. His operatic baritone and his abstract, individualized music & lyrics will remain beautifully https://t.co/CwhpMJbrto pic.twitter.com/1SieTmQtSD
— Michael Des Barres (@MDesbarres) March 25, 2019
Few other musicians have inspired me as much as Scott Walker has. Few other artists have been as consistently daring, uncompromising, and dedicated to a lifetime w/ their work
— PRIESTS??♀️??? (@PRIESTS_TWEET) March 25, 2019
Scott was complex, as uncomfortable/unsettled in the world as was his later work. The Scott albums of the late sixties and everything he created post ‘climate of hunter’ was a creative leap into the unknown. Possessor of ‘the voice’ so many of us believed unsurpassable. Missed.
— david sylvian (@davidsylvian58) March 25, 2019
Wow. Goodbye Scott Walker, the biggest influence on David Bowie. A maverick and uncompromising artist. Loved by @MarcAlmond and myself. One of the peculiar greats!
— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) March 25, 2019
I first heard Scott while touring the States in the early mid 90s .. it was beautiful looking out on those landscapes and getting to know his music- such a mysterious and beautiful man. His music is vast, emotional, brutal and hilarious- I am so grateful to him for making it.
— graham coxon (@grahamcoxon) March 25, 2019
thank you for all the music scott walker. your singular vision has left us with so much to chew on. but the loss of your presence on earth is felt hard. RIP 30 century man
— yung zeej feat. lil zoji (@ZOLAJESUS) March 25, 2019
Fly on, Scott Walker.
His work has always been in my life.
— Helado Negro (@HeladoNegro) March 25, 2019
Good night to you sir. Rest easy Scott Walker. “Let the sun shine through”. https://t.co/R5sCRwqTc0
— Sleaford Mods (@sleafordmods) March 25, 2019
my favorite Scott Walker track, I borrowed that chord progression for Luna's "Slow Song". Duchess Duchess, light up your candles for me / Duchess Duchess put all the love back in me https://t.co/PPc0Ou3UNx
— Dean Wareham (@WarehamDean) March 25, 2019
Scott Walker is such a huge inspiration to me. What a voice and so fearless throughout his entire career. A crooner with vision. Rest In Peace Scott. Thank you for everything you shared with us. #ripscottwalker pic.twitter.com/rEJHDTuR9q
— Nicole Atkins (@NicoleAtkins) March 25, 2019
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This Hurts— Xiu Xiu (@XiuXiuforLife) March 25, 2019
