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Fay’s career was characterised by its unconventional trajectory. He released two albums in the early 1970s, ‘Bill Fay‘ (1969) and ‘Time of the Last Persecution‘ (1971), before fading into obscurity. Despite their initial commercial failure, these records gained a cult following over the years, appreciated for their melancholic beauty and spiritual depth. His music, often likened to that of Nick Drake and Leonard Cohen, blended folk, rock, and orchestral elements with deeply personal lyrics. Whilst Bill Fay’s music did not achieve significant commercial success during his early career, his 2012 album ‘Life Is People‘ marked a notable milestone, reaching number 56 on the UK Albums Chart. This achievement reflects the growing recognition of his work in later years.

Fay’s songs often explored themes of humanity, faith, and resilience. In later years, he spoke about faith in broad, universal terms, emphasising kindness, compassion, and the search for meaning rather than rigid dogma. His music resonated with both secular and religious listeners due to its introspective and humanistic approach. Whilst faith was a significant part of his songwriting, he wasn’t part of the 1970s ‘Jesus freak’ movement in the way some rock and folk musicians of the time were.

Fay’s mystique was further enhanced by his reclusive nature. He spent decades away from the industry, working ordinary jobs while his music quietly influenced new generations. His ability to craft songs filled with wisdom, melancholy, and understated beauty made him a singular voice in British music, ensuring his legacy would live on long after his passing. Nick Cave has spoken highly of Bill Fay’s music, recognising his songwriting talent and emotional depth, and Fay’s resurgence in the 2000s was partly due to recognition from artists like Cave. 

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Fay’s contributions to music were recognised by both fans and fellow musicians. Though he remained a largely private figure, his recordings gained respect for their craftsmanship and lyrical depth. His passing marks the end of a career that, whilst unconventional, left a lasting imprint on the folk and alternative music landscape.

Beth also alluded to both her and her bandmates having musical intentions outside of Savages, but teased fans about her future projects, stating “I have a collaboration I have lined up, really cool stuff, which I can’t talk about now but some are going to be revealed in January […] I think it’s going to be for me, collaborating with new people. I’ve kept writing a lot so I’ve got a lot of songs right now that I don’t know what I’m going to do with yet.”

Beth had alerted fans to a potential hiatus for the band as recently as the end of last month, when she addressed a sold out Brixton Academy, to tell them that they were witnessing “The last Savages show for a while.” The gig at Brixton itself was seen as something of a landmark for the band, as they also emotionally paid tribute to Leonard Cohen and Marianne Faithfull.

Mxdwn UK have recently announced The Weeknd’s 2017 UK arena tour: read the article here and see the below dates as a reminder:

05/03 – Arena – Manchester
07/03 – The O2 – London
08/03 – The O2 – London
10/03 – The SSE Hydro – Glasgow
11/03 – Metro Radio Arena – Newcastle
13/03 – Barclaycard Arena – Birmingham
14/03 – First Direct Arena – Leeds

Earlier this month Lana Del Rey paid tribute to the late Leonard Cohen who passed away on November 7, aged 82. Del Rey said:

“I’d be lying if I said it didn’t kind of break my heart that I never got to tell you how much you changed me. Not that it would’ve mattered to ya. It’s just that other than Bob [Dylan] and Joan [Baez] you were the only person I ever really felt spoke my language.”
“I love you as a real fan and I always looked for a little bit of you in all of my future friends. God bless.”

Cohen – and outstanding lyricist – was also a prolific poet and was taught by his muse the legendry poet Irving Layton who passed away in 2006.
Lana Del Rey’s last album was Honeymoon, released in 2015. 2016 saw her touring the festival circuit. Both artists demonstrate how powerful their influences are and prove an apt collaboration.  The lyrics have been described as ‘creepy': judge for yourself.

The news of the Canadian’s musician and poet’s death was announced this evening via his official Facebook page. The post read, “It is with profound sorrow we report that legendary poet, songwriter and artist, Leonard Cohen has passed away. We have lost one of music’s most revered and prolific visionaries.”

It was reported that the star passed away on Monday and has already been buried. “It is with great sadness that we must report Leonard passed away on Monday, November 7. As was his wish, he was buried in a quiet and private ceremony in Montreal.” One user wrote on his message board.

Cohen’s son Adam told Rolling Stone that his father died peacefully at home “with the knowledge that he had completed what he felt was one of his greatest records. He was writing up until his last moments with his unique brand of humour.”

His manager Robert Kory also told the publication: “Unmatched in his creativity, insight and crippling candour, Leonard Cohen was a true visionary whose voice will be sorely missed. I was blessed to call him a friend, and for me to serve that bold artistic spirit firsthand, was a privilege and great gift. He leaves behind a legacy of work that will bring insight, inspiration and healing for generations to come.”

The Montreal-born singer’s hits included Suzanne, Bird on the Wire and I’m Your Man. He released his 14th album, You Want It Darker, just last month.

Following the news, many fellow musicians, politicians and celebrities alike have been paying tribute to Cohen via social media. Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, wrote: “No other artist’s music felt or sounded like Leonard Cohen’s. Yet his work resonated across generations. Canada and the world will miss him.”

Last month, Leonard Cohen said in an interview with The New Yorker that he was ready to die.  “I don’t think I’ll be able to finish those songs. Maybe, who knows? And maybe I’ll get a second wind, I don’t know. But I don’t dare attach myself to a spiritual strategy. I don’t dare do that. I’ve got some work to do.”Take care of business.

“I am ready to die. I hope it’s not too uncomfortable. That’s about it for me.”