The Fall

United Kingdom, 1976–2018

Manchester band built around the singular, caustic vision of Mark E. Smith (1957–2018), active from 1976 through his death with a revolving cast of dozens. Welding Krautrock repetition, garage rock and rockabilly to Smith's abstruse ranted lyrics, they became one of the most prolific and influential post-punk acts — a John Peel favourite.

MusicRoots documents 4 artists who influenced The Fall and 1 artist The Fall influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced The Fall?

• Can — Can's hypnotic krautrock repetition is foundational to The Fall — Mark E. Smith paid direct tribute on the track 'I Am Damo Suzuki', named for Can's singer.
• The Velvet Underground — The Velvet Underground's drone and deadpan are woven into The Fall's abrasive minimalism.
• Captain Beefheart — Captain Beefheart's angular, atonal art-rock is a clear ancestor of The Fall's jagged sound.
• The Stooges — The Stooges' primal garage-punk drive feeds The Fall's raw, repetitive attack.

Which artists did The Fall influence?

• Pavement — The Fall are Pavement's foundational influence — Malkmus said the early sound came from a scene where 'some big brother was saying, you need to be into the Fall', and named them among his key touchstones.