Marianne Faithfull, the iconic singer, songwriter, and actress, has passed away at the age of 78. Known for her haunting voice, remarkable resilience, and contributions to rock, film, and theatre, her influence spanned decades.
Faithfull shot to stardom in the 1960s with “As Tears Go By“, the first song written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. She left an indelible mark with albums like Broken English (1979)—a defiant and New Wave-inspired gem that redefined her career—and She Walks in Beauty (2021), a poetic and profound late masterpiece.
Her parallel acting career saw her perform roles in Hamlet, Three Sisters, and even Absolutely Fabulous, where she humorously played God.
Marianne’s artistry drew admiration from David Bowie, PJ Harvey, Nick Cave, and Metallica, among others, showcasing her ability to inspire across generations and genres.
Marianne’s life wasn’t without its hardships. From addiction and homelessness in Soho after her break-up with Mick Jagger to overcoming severe health challenges, she navigated her struggles with extraordinary strength. She battled heroin addiction, recovered from a near-fatal Covid-19 hospitalization in 2020, and turned her life experiences into powerful, raw art.
Honours and Recognition
- Awarded the World Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.
- Appointed a commandeur of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by France, highlighting her global cultural impact.
- Her work inspired icons like Lars Ulrich of Metallica, who praised her “unique contribution” to music.
Faithfull explored themes of ageing, grief, and human resilience through her music. Her penultimate album Negative Capability (2018) poignantly reimagined “As Tears Go By,” bringing her artistry full circle. A symbol of endurance, she turned personal tragedy into inspiration, offering her fans and collaborators profound moments of connection.
Marianne Faithfull leaves behind a legacy that embodies the highs and lows of the rock and roll era. She was a muse, an icon, and, most of all, an artist who carved her own path.
She will be dearly missed but forever celebrated.
