CityLife

Mark E Smith takes his place in wall of fame

Mark E Smith (x2) at The Northern pub

THERE’S only one thing more imposing than The Fall’s legendary frontman Mark E Smith – and that’s two Mark E Smiths.

The rock ‘n’ roll renegade, who has famously seen off more bandmates than the Sugababes, has been immortalised in this new artwork on display at The Northern pub in Manchester’s Oldham Street.

And the enigmatic singer gamely posed up with the work, which was created by artist Simon Mound and based on an iconic Kevin Cummins shot, for our photo.

The giant 6ft by 7ft portrait has, rather fittingly, been installed in the pub’s smoking pit, where, I’m reliably informed, smoker Smith is normally to be found when he visits the venue.

And Mark is said to be pleased with the artistic honour.

'Glowers'

Pub boss John Locke says: “Mark loves it.

“He’s a character and a half really, and as far as I’m concerned he’s one of our true legends, one of the last Manchester mavericks.

“The Northern is all about characters, so we thought who better to have as a picture in the outdoor area.

“Now his portrait kind of glowers down on everyone popping out for a fag.”

Despite legendary line-up changes (at last count there were more than 40 “Fall-en” members) Mark is still performing with The Fall – with two upcoming dates at Moho Live in the Northern Quarter on November 10 and 11.

And I hear a new album will be on the way in the new year.