Tim Smith dead

[lockhart flawse]

Tim Smith, leader of Cardiacs has died. Cardiacs never seem to be of much interest here but the band were true originals. Have some of this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-dd4fMUhAY

[Hub]

I've never really listened to much Cardiacs, despite an awareness of them being cited as an influence by some bands I listen to. Perhaps a bit late but I will give them a go... not on streaming platforms though that I can see.

I did see this on Youtube though... bonkers, but one of the most amazing things I've ever seen! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVjSycDJatc
(Can't get over the keyboard player looking like David Mitchell either! )

[andySC]

Cardiacs were quite an amazing spectacle live. The first time I saw them would be 89/90 when they were fully costumed & made up. The Consultant & Miss Swift made an appearance in Leeds (I think). I saw them a few times on the joint Cardiacs/Levitation tour in 92 but only a few times since then. A standout was the band playing at a friend of a friends 40th...they were warming up for a tour & he tempted them to play at The Leopard in Doncaster, that was quite a night & they properly dipped into the back catalogue. Met the band afterwards & they were all totally charming. As much as I love Cardiacs I do have to be “in the mood” to enjoy them, the youngest asked if they were The Killer Boy Rats from Horrid Henry, I kind of get where she was coming from ! I read an article not so long ago & it appeared as though Tim wasn’t in a good place, blessed relief maybe? That said it’s a shame, a shame he got poorly in 2008 & is now no longer here.

[andySC]

Hub said:

I did see this on Youtube though... bonkers, but one of the most amazing things I've ever seen! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVjSycDJatc
(Can't get over the keyboard player looking like David Mitchell either! )

Highlight for me is at 20ish seconds where Tim sticks the boot into the drummer. Violence being doled out to various members was part of Tim’s routine. Jim (bass) would usually get a clout or 2 depending on the crowds chanting (Jim! Jim!Jim!) & Sarah on saxophone would get hair pulled & such. As an aside The Sunday Sport ran a double page spread on Tim & Sarah’s relationship after he told a reporter they were brother & sister but liked to sleep together (they weren’t related).