Marianne Faithfull, Iconic Singer and Actress, Passes Away at 78
Renowned singer and actress Marianne Faithfull has passed away at the age of 78, her spokesperson confirmed. The world has lost a true legend in the music and acting industries. Marianne Faithfull became a household name with her hit As Tears Go By, which reached the UK Top 10 in 1964. She also starred in notable films, including The Girl On A Motorcycle (1968), and was famously known as the girlfriend of Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger during the 1960s. Their tumultuous relationship was immortalized in iconic songs like Wild Horses and You Can’t Always Get What You Want, making Marianne Faithfull a central figure in rock history.
Despite enduring a tumultuous period marked by heroin addiction in the 1970s, Marianne Faithfull made an impressive comeback with her 1979 album Broken English. Her remarkable resilience to overcome addiction and personal challenges cemented her legacy as a true artist.
Tributes Pour In
Mick Jagger described Marianne Faithfull as “a wonderful friend, a beautiful singer, and a great actress,” reflecting on the profound impact she had on those who knew her. Keith Richards, another long-time collaborator, expressed his sadness, saying he would miss her dearly. Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood shared a heartfelt tribute, posting an old studio photo with Faithfull and Richards and captioning it “Farewell dear Marianne.”
A Life of Resilience
Throughout her life, Marianne Faithfull faced numerous health struggles, including bulimia, breast cancer, and emphysema caused by years of smoking. In 2020, she was hospitalized after contracting COVID-19, with doctors initially giving little hope for her recovery. However, Marianne Faithfull defied the odds, making a remarkable recovery and releasing her 21st album, She Walks in Beauty, in 2021.
From being discovered at 16 to becoming an icon of the British Invasion, Marianne Faithfull reinvented herself as a New Wave-influenced artist, showcasing her resilience and evolution over the years. Her influence extended beyond her music, as she also worked with influential figures like PJ Harvey and Nick Cave, who both cited her as a major inspiration. She collaborated with many other iconic artists, including David Bowie, Lou Reed, and Metallica, whose drummer Lars Ulrich thanked Marianne Faithfull for her “incredible and unique contribution to our music.”
In parallel to her music career, Marianne Faithfull made significant contributions to theater and film. She performed alongside Glenda Jackson in Chekhov’s Three Sisters and portrayed Ophelia in Hamlet. Additionally, she played God in Absolutely Fabulous and the devil in The Black Rider, a musical by William Burroughs and Tom Waits. However, it was her music that remained at the core of her artistic identity. Her 2018 album Negative Capability reflected on themes of aging, loneliness, and grief, drawing inspiration from both personal losses and tragic world events. This album included a deeply emotional re-recording of As Tears Go By, which moved everyone in the studio to tears.
Marianne Faithfull received numerous accolades throughout her career, including the prestigious World Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2009 Women’s World Awards. She was also made a commandeur of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government, further solidifying her place as a true icon. Marianne Faithfull’s legacy will forever endure, and she will be remembered as a true legend of rock and roll.
Don’t Miss a Beat – Follow my What’s App channel
