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Mark William Lanegan (November 25, 1964 – February 22, 2022) was an American singer and songwriter. First becoming prominent as the lead singer for the early grunge band Screaming Trees, he was also known as a member of Queens of the Stone Age and The Gutter Twins. He released twelve solo studio albums as well as three collaboration albums with Isobel Campbell and two with Duke Garwood. He was known for his baritone voice, which was described as being "as scratchy as a three-day beard yet as supple and pliable as moccasin leather" and has been compared to Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen and Nick Cave.[4]

Lanegan began his musical career in 1984 in Screaming Trees, with whom he released seven studio albums and five EPs before their disbandment in 2000. During his time with the band, he also began a solo career and released his first solo studio album, The Winding Sheet, in 1990. He then released 10 more solo albums, which received critical recognition but only moderate commercial success. Following the end of Screaming Trees, he became a frequent collaborator of Queens of the Stone Age and was a full-time member between 2001 and 2005 during the Songs for the Deaf and Lullabies to Paralyze eras.

Lanegan collaborated with various artists during his career. In the 1990s, he and Kurt Cobain recorded an album of Lead Belly covers that was ultimately never released. He also joined Layne Staley and Mike McCready in the band Mad Season,[5] and formed the alternative rock group The Gutter Twins with Greg Dulli in 2003, as well as contributing to releases by Moby, Bomb the Bass, Soulsavers, Tinariwen, The Twilight Singers, Manic Street Preachers, and Unkle, among others.

Lanegan struggled with addiction to drugs and alcohol throughout his life but had been sober for over a decade at the time of his death. Encouraged by his friend Anthony Bourdain, he released the memoir Sing Backwards and Weep in 2020. He followed this up in 2021 with the memoir Devil in a Coma, which focused on his near-death experience with COVID-19. He and his wife Shelley Brien left the U.S. in 2020 and settled in the Irish town of Killarney, where he died two years later at the age of 57. No cause of death was revealed.

Early life

[edit]

Mark William Lanegan was born in Ellensburg, Washington on November 25, 1964.[6] During an interview with The Rocket in 1996, he said that he drove a combine harvester when he was younger.[7] He was of Irish, Scottish and Welsh descent.[8][9] He said that he developed an alcohol use disorder by age 12[10] and began using drugs heavily by the age of 18, having already been arrested and sentenced to one year's imprisonment for drug-related crimes.[11]

Musical career

[edit]

Screaming Trees (1984–2000)

[edit]
Lanegan (middle right) with Screaming Trees in the 1980s

Screaming Trees was formed in late 1984 by Lanegan, guitarist Gary Lee Conner, bassist Van Conner, and drummer Mark Pickerel.[12] Along with Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Mudhoney, The Melvins, and Nirvana, Screaming Trees were part of Seattle's emerging grunge scene in the early 1990s. Pickerel would later be replaced with Barrett Martin. Lanegan originally joined as the drummer but later said, "I was such a shitty drummer that they made me sing."[13] The band released the Other Worlds EP in 1986; recorded in 1985 and originally available only on cassette tape, the album was re-released on CD and LP by SST Records in 1987.[12] Although the band was being courted by major labels, they signed to Velvetone Records in 1985 and released their debut album, Clairvoyance, in 1986.[12] The album was a combination of psychedelic music and hard rock, and bears many similarities to early grunge.[12]

In 1987, the band released their second effort, and their first for SST Records, Even If and Especially When.[12] After the release of the album in 1987 the band began working on the American indie circuit, playing shows across the United States.[12] Their follow up album Invisible Lantern was released in 1988. 1989's Buzz Factory was the fourth full-length album by Screaming Trees and their final record released through SST.[12]

In 1991, the band released their fifth effort, and their first for a major label.[12] Uncle Anesthesia was released in 1991 and was produced by Soundgarden vocalist Chris Cornell.[12] Uncle Anesthesia included the single "Bed of Roses", which gained considerable airtime on alternative rock radio stations. The song peaked at number 23 on the Modern Rock Tracks and was the first Screaming Trees release to chart.[14] Barrett Martin replaced previous drummer Pickerel and the new line up recorded Sweet Oblivion in 1992.[12]

Sweet Oblivion was the band's breakout album and included the singles "Nearly Lost You", "Dollar Bill", "Shadow of the Season", and "Butterfly". The first two singles gained considerable airtime on alternative rock radio stations, while the video for "Nearly Lost You" became an MTV and alternative radio hit in the fall of 1992, thanks to the momentum of the soundtrack of the film Singles, which features the song. "Nearly Lost You" peaked at number 5 on the Modern Rock Tracks and number 50 in the United Kingdom and was the band's first single to chart outside the United States.[12] Sweet Oblivion sold a total of 300,000 copies in the United States.[12]

After a hiatus brought about by in-fighting and uncertainty over the quality of the music they were recording, the band's final album, Dust, was released in 1996.[13] The album spawned several singles, including "All I Know" and "Dying Days", and peaked at number 134 on the Billboard 200. Reaching number 39 on the Canadian album chart, it was the only Screaming Trees album to chart outside the United States. Despite consistently favorable reviews, the album did not match the commercial success of Sweet Oblivion. Following the Dust tour in the United States, Screaming Trees took another hiatus for Lanegan to begin his work on his third solo album, Scraps at Midnight. The band headed back into the studio in 1999 and recorded several demos and shopped them around to labels, but no label was willing to take them on.[12] The band played a few surprise shows in early 2000, and then following a concert to celebrate the opening of Seattle's Experience Music Project they unexpectedly announced their official breakup.[12]

When asked in 2021 about the '90s grunge movement, Lanegan commented, "It's not something that was contrived or cooked up around the campfire somewhere. It just happened organically. It's hard for me to comment, because there's always great new music and there probably always will be — as long as the sun keeps shining."[15]

Solo work and other projects

[edit]
Lanegan in 2009

In 1990, Lanegan released his first solo album, The Winding Sheet via label Sub Pop. Lanegan had intimated that the album came around following a Leadbelly project he was working on with Mark Pickerel, Kurt Cobain, and Krist Novoselic.[13][16] The project was short lived and eventually other musicians became involved in the evolution to the debut solo record. From the Leadbelly sessions a version of "Where Did You Sleep Last Night?" appeared on The Winding Sheet. "Ain't It a Shame" is available on the Nirvana box set, With the Lights Out.[16] Cobain also supplied backing vocals on "Down in the Dark" on Lanegan's debut.[17] The majority of the album was recorded with Pickerel on drums, Mike Johnson on guitar, Steve Fisk on piano and organ, and Jack Endino on bass.[16]

His second solo record, 1994's Whiskey for the Holy Ghost, was a more cohesive recording, with songs "The River Rise", "Kingdoms of Rain", "Riding the Nightingale", and "Beggar's Blues".[16] Taking nearly three years to make, the album came close to not seeing the light of day as Lanegan was set to throw the master tapes in a pond outside of the recording studio, only to be stopped by producer Jack Endino at the last moment.[16]

In 1995, Lanegan appeared on the album Above by Mad Season. The project was fronted by friend Layne Staley (Alice in Chains) and was formed in late 1994 by Staley, Mike McCready of Pearl Jam, Barrett Martin of Screaming Trees, and John Baker Saunders of The Walkabouts. Lanegan co-wrote and sang co-lead on "Long Gone Day" and "I'm Above".[18] Lanegan also appeared on stage at Mad Season's concerts to perform the songs. After Staley's departure from the band, Mad Season began work on a potential second album featuring Lanegan as the primary vocalist. Three of these previously unreleased songs featuring Lanegan were eventually made available on the 2013 deluxe re-release of Above.[19]

In 1998, Scraps at Midnight was released. The album was recorded the previous winter at Rancho de la Luna in Joshua Tree, California, and produced by long-time friend and collaborator Mike Johnson.[16] and featured Rancho de la Luna owners Fred Drake and Dave Catching

Lanegan's fourth studio album was released in 1999. The album began life as B-Sides for singles from Scraps at Midnight (two tracks from the sessions appear on the single "Hotel"). Liking the way the sessions were shaping up, a few more were added and the recording was entitled I'll Take Care of You. The album features covers of songs by prominent folk, R&B and punk artists such as Tim Hardin, Booker T. and the MGs, and country icon Buck Owens, as well as friend Jeffrey Lee Pierce of Gun Club.[16] Lanegan stated that Jeffrey Lee Pierce was one of his early musical heroes and got him interested in making music.[20] Also in 1999, Lanegan participated in the tribute album for Moby Grape co-founder, Skip Spence, who was terminally ill.[21] In 2009 Lanegan sang lead vocals on "The Last Time," an A side track on The Breeders' EP Fate to Fatal.[22]

In 2001, he released his fifth studio album, Field Songs. The album featured friend Duff McKagan, as well as major contributions from Soundgarden's bassist, Ben Shepherd.[23] 2003 saw him appear on Greg Dulli's The Twilight Singers record Blackberry Belle, sharing lead vocal duties on the epic closing track, "Number Nine". This would be the first of many collaborations with Dulli and The Twilight Singers.[24]

Prior to releasing his fourth album, Mark Lanegan released the EP Here Comes That Weird Chill, which included "Methamphetamine Blues" (later to appear on Bubblegum) as well as a number of B-sides and rarities (including a cover of Captain Beefheart's "Clear Spot") featuring collaborations with many who would feature on Bubblegum, such as Josh Homme, Dean Ween, Nick Oliveri and Chris Goss, as well as (notably) Natasha Shneider, Greg Dulli and Aldo Struyf.

On his next solo album, Bubblegum (2004), Lanegan was joined by a cadre of prominent artists, including P. J. Harvey, Josh Homme and Nick Oliveri of Queens of the Stone Age, Greg Dulli of The Afghan Whigs and Twilight Singers, Dave Catching of Rancho de la Luna , Dean Ween of Ween, and Duff McKagan and Izzy Stradlin, previously of Guns N' Roses.[25] Also appearing on Bubblegum is Lanegan's ex-wife, Wendy Rae Fowler now in We Fell to Earth.[26] The favorably reviewed album was his most commercially successful to date, reaching number 39 on Billboard's Top Independent Albums chart.[27] Some would assume this is due to the appearance of several prominent musical figures, although the album did receive glowing review by critics.[26] In 2013, the track "Strange Religion" was used in season 6 of the Showtime television series Californication.[28]

Lanegan's seventh solo album, Blues Funeral, was released in February 2012.[29] Josh Homme, Dave Catching, Alain Johannes, and Martyn LeNoble contributed to the creation of the album.[30][31] In November 2012 Lanegan self-released a Christmas album titled Dark Mark Does Christmas 2012, including a Roky Erickson cover "Burn the Flames". The limited six-track EP had only been available at his concerts.[32]

Released on Heavenly Recordings in 2013, Lanegan released his first collaboration with Duke Garwood entitled Black Pudding. It featured a largely acoustic guitar-driven sound, not unlike his first solo albums on Sub Pop, as well as long-time solo collaborator Alain Johannes.

Lanegan released a five-track EP entitled No Bells on Sunday in the United States on July 29, 2014, followed by a European release on August 25. A music video was released on July 15 for "Sad Lover", the third track off the EP. Lanegan's next full-length album, Phantom Radio, was released on October 21, 2014. It was produced by Alain Johannes and has a similar sound aesthetic to Blues Funeral.[33]

Lanegan's second collaborative album with Duke Garwood, With Animals, was released on August 24, 2018. The pair toured Europe in October 2018 to support the release.[34]

Lanegan released three further solo albums between 2017 and 2020 on Heavenly Recordings; Gargoyle in 2017,[35] Somebody's Knocking in April 2019,[36] and Straight Songs of Sorrow in May 2020.[37]

Queens of the Stone Age (2000–2014)

[edit]

Lanegan's first appearance on a Queens of the Stone Age album was on Rated R. He sang the lead vocals on "In the Fade" and background vocals on "Leg of Lamb", "Autopilot", and "I Think I Lost My Headache". Rated R became a commercial success and became the first Queens of the Stone Age album to chart.[38]

Shortly after the release of Field Songs, Lanegan became a full-time member of Queens of the Stone Age. He appeared on the 2002 release Songs for the Deaf, singing lead on the tracks "Song for the Dead", "Hangin' Tree", "Song for the Deaf", and "God Is in the Radio". The album became the band's big breakthrough and peaked at number 17 on the Billboard 200 and was certified gold by the RIAA.[39] He also toured in support of the album over the next two years.[40] Lanegan toured full-time as a third vocalist for Queens of the Stone Age in support of Songs for the Deaf,[40] joining his friend Joshua Homme, who supported the Screaming Trees as their touring guitarist in 1996. The album received two Best Hard Rock Performance Grammy nominations for the singles "No One Knows" (2003)[41] and "Go with the Flow" (2004).[42]

In 2005, Lanegan released his last album with Queens of the Stone Age, Lullabies to Paralyze, where he sang lead vocals on the first track of the album called "This Lullaby". The album was delayed during 2004 because of some changes to the line-up: bassist Nick Oliveri was fired and Lanegan went on tour to support Bubblegum.[43] Lanegan would later appear in support of the album.

Lanegan continued to collaborate with Queens of the Stone Age and its members after leaving the band. In 2007, he appeared on their album, Era Vulgaris, contributing background vocals to the track "River in the Road".[44] On August 12, 2010, Lanegan re-joined Queens of The Stone Age on stage at the Nokia Club in Los Angeles, where he sang four encore songs with the band. The concert was put together to raise funds for Eagles of Death Metal bassist Brian O'Connor, who was diagnosed with cancer a few months prior to the event.[45] In 2013, Lanegan appeared on their sixth album, ...Like Clockwork, co-writing the song "Fairweather Friends" and contributing background vocals to the track "If I Had a Tail".[46]

Collaboration with Isobel Campbell (2004–2011)

[edit]
Lanegan toured with Isobel Campbell in 2007 in support of their album Ballad of the Broken Seas.

In April 2004, Lanegan released an EP with former Belle & Sebastian vocalist Isobel Campbell, titled Time Is Just the Same. They would later release a single entitled "Ramblin' Man" for their collaboration album Ballad of the Broken Seas. Campbell wrote and recorded the majority of the album's tracks in Glasgow, with Lanegan adding vocals in Los Angeles. The record was well received by critics.

In addition to providing vocals, Lanegan also wrote the track "Revolver" with Campbell. The album was nominated for the 2006 Mercury Prize.[47] Lanegan and Campbell played four UK concerts in January 2007, with the London date being moved to a larger venue as a result of high demand for tickets. When making the decision to make a follow-up to Ballad of the Broken Seas, Campbell reflected:

Lanegan and Campbell performing in Barcelona in 2010.

It was because he kinda disappeared for a year but in my heart I wanted to do another one because as soon as we'd finished Ballad of the Broken Seas I was writing new songs and I was like; "Oh God, I've got to get Mark to sing these."[48]

After a concert with Lanegan in January 2007, Campbell asked Lanegan if he would consider making a new album, Lanegan replied: "in a heartbeat". This time Lanegan flew to Glasgow to record the new album at the end of March for nine days to record the songs Campbell had written. After working with Lanegan, Campbell remarked: "It is his classic, effortless American voice that I love". She added "I think I was playing about with that a lot so there's a few of what Mark would call raunchy songs and a few ballads too".[49] The album, Sunday at Devil Dirt, was released on May 5, 2008, with the track "Who Built the Road" being the only single released from it.[50]

A third collaborative album with Campbell was released on August 16, 2010, entitled Hawk. The pair toured to promote the album, including a set at All Tomorrow's Parties, December 10–12, 2010 (Bowlie 2) curated by Belle & Sebastian and shows in Australia in 2011.[51] By the end of the tour the duo had ceased to function and each went their separate ways.[52]

The Gutter Twins (2003–2009)

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Main article: The Gutter Twins
The Gutter Twins at The Bowery Ballroom in 2008. From left: Greg Dulli, Mark Lanegan.

The Gutter Twins was a collaboration between Lanegan and Afghan Whigs/Twilight Singers vocalist Greg Dulli. Working on a collaborative album since at least 2003, the pair first played as The Gutter Twins in Rome in September 2005.[53]

Saturnalia was released on March 4, 2008, on Sub Pop, a label both Dulli and Lanegan had worked with before. The duo's first tour commenced on February 14, 2008, in New York City and continued in March and April throughout Europe and the United States.[54]

The album was a big hit and Blast Magazine's Liz Raftery ended up praising the album calling it "an audial descent into the dark emotions that often lurk beneath the surface."[55] The album's highest position was at number 7 in Belgium. The album also peaked at number 117 on the Billboard 200. It meant that Saturnalia was the first album since Screaming Trees' Dust that had charted on the Billboard 200 with Lanegan as a permanent band member.[27][56] On September 2, 2008, The Gutter Twins released an EP called Adorata exclusively on iTunes. Adorata contains eight tracks, most of them are covers, but also two Gutter Twins songs that never made it to the album.[57]

Collaborations (2006–2022)

[edit]
Lanegan performing with Soulsavers at Roskilde Festival.

Lanegan appeared on three releases with The Twilight Singers (Blackberry Belle, She Loves You, and A Stitch in Time). In 2006, Lanegan toured with the band in Europe and Israel on an excursus which later expanded to include the United States.[58] In 2008, Lanegan collaborated with Tim Simenon on a track entitled "Black River" which appeared on Simenon's fourth album under his Bomb the Bass moniker, Future Chaos.[59]

In 2007, English electronica duo Soulsavers' album It's Not How Far You Fall, It's the Way You Land featured Lanegan on 8 out of 10 album tracks.[60] As well as appearing as a vocalist, the tracks "Revival", "Ghosts of You and Me", "Paper Money", and "Jesus of Nothing" are credited as written by Lanegan and Soulsavers.[60] The album also features a re-working of "Kingdoms of Rain", which was initially released on Lanegan's second solo album, Whiskey for the Holy Ghost. "Revival" and "Kingdoms of Rain" were released as singles from the album.[60] Soulsavers recorded the tracks in England in 2005 and 2006, with Lanegan recording the vocal parts at Conway Studios in Los Angeles.[60]

In 2009, Soulsavers again enlisted Lanegan with him contributing vocals for several tracks on their third studio album Broken.[61] This led to a significant run of touring in support of the album, beginning on September 6, in Portland, Oregon.[62] Following the tour of the United States, Lanegan continued to perform with them throughout their extensive run of European shows. These varied between headline gigs and slots in support of Depeche Mode.[63] Having completed touring duties for Soulsavers, Lanegan announced a solo European tour. Shows focused specifically on his solo back catalogue, having not done so since touring finished in support of Bubblegum.[64]

Also in 2009, Lanegan followed in Josh Homme's footsteps in collaborating with Unkle, the British electronic act masterminded by James Lavelle. He contributed his vocals to "Another Night Out", the final track of the album Where Did the Night Fall (released in May 2010).[65]

In 2011, Lanegan's music was featured in a trailer and end credits for the video game Rage[66] and the soundtrack for the film The Hangover Part II. Lanegan collaborated on a track "So Long Sin City" with Slash who recorded music for the 2011 indie film This Is Not a Movie, directed by Olallo Rubio, and starring Edward Furlong, Peter Coyote, Miguel Ferrer, and more.[67]

On April 16, 2013, Lanegan and Duke Garwood released their first studio collaboration, Black Pudding.[68] Lanegan collaborated with Warpaint and Massive Attack for a cover of the xx's song "Crystalised".[69] Lanegan, Warpaint, and Martina Topley-Bird recorded the cover of "Crystalised" and released it as a single in 2013.[70]

For Record Store Day 2013, Lanegan collaborated with Moby to release a 7-inch record called The Lonely Night.[71] Of working with Lanegan, Moby stated: "I've been a fan of Mark's from his early SST records days, and I've always wanted to work with him. He has one of the best and most distinctive voices of the last 25 years. Now that we live near each other it ended up being really easy working on a song together." The Lonely Night also appeared on Moby's album Innocents.[72]

In 2013, Lanegan teamed up with Seattle producer Martin Feveyear, to work on a covers record, Imitations.[73] Prior to its release, Lanegan had only issued one previous record of covers, 1999's I'll Take Care of You.[74] On Imitations, Lanegan offers contemporary songs, standards, and obscure numbers that, according to him, reveal the effect his parents' record collection had on him. He enlisted the help of Seattle composer Andrew Joslyn for the string arrangements and performances, as well as Seattle rock icons Duff McKagan, Barrett Martin, and others. The record was released September 17, 2013, through Vagrant Records.[75]

Lanegan and Josh Homme co-wrote the theme song for Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, which first aired in 2013 on CNN.[76] Lanegan contributed vocals on two tracks on Earth's 2014 album Primitive and Deadly, released on September 2, 2014,[77] and on one track on Manset's 2014 album Un oiseau s'est posé. In 2016 he featured on Wounded Wing by The Duke Spirit. He also worked with Unkle on the track "Looking for the Rain" from their 2017 album The Road: Part I, along with Eska.[78] He also contributed vocals and songwriting to Tuareg rock band Tinariwen's "Nànnuflày" off their 2017 album Elwan.[79]

In 2020, Lanegan contributed a spoken-word vocal performance to the song "The Mirror" by English rock band Hey Colossus, from their album Dances/Curses.[80] He wrote lyrics and recorded lead vocals for "A Drink Of Poison Water" on Spanish duo Agrio's La Murga EP,[81] and also appeared on the eponymous album by Black Phoebe, collaborating with his wife Shelley Brien and members of the Mark Lanegan Band including Martyn LeNoble.[82]

Lanegan contributed vocals on the song "Inside of a Dream" on Cult of Luna's EP The Raging River, released on February 5, 2021,[83] "The Music Becomes a Skull" on The Armed's album Ultrapop, released April 16, 2021,[84] and "Blank Diary Entry" on Manic Street Preachers' 2021 album The Ultra Vivid Lament.[85] In October 2021, Lanegan released a collaborative album with former The Icarus Line member Joe Cardamone entitled Dark Mark vs. Skeleton Joe.[86]

Books

[edit]

In 2017, Lanegan released the book I Am the Wolf: Lyrics & Writings, a collection of lyrics accompanied by explanations and anecdotes.[87] His memoir, Sing Backwards and Weep,[88] was published on April 28, 2020.[89][90] Lanegan and Cold Cave frontman Wesley Eisold published a book of poetry Plague Poems in 2020. Another memoir Devil in a Coma was released in 2021, which details Lanegan's experiences contracting COVID-19, and being admitted to Kerry Hospital in March 2021.[91][92] Leaving California, a final book of 76 new poems, was released in 2021.

Additionally, books have been written about Lanegan by other authors, including 2022's Confessions, Lyrics & Nostalgia Dark Mark Lanegan by Iman Kakai-Lazell[93] (which features photos, lyrics, and text) and 2023's Lanegan by Greg Prato[94] (which includes new interviews with over 20 of Lanegan's collaborators, friends, and admirers).

Personal life

[edit]

Lanegan struggled with alcoholism and heroin addiction during the 1990s and early 2000s. In his 2020 memoir, he claimed that he was "reviled as the town drunk before [he] could even legally drink" at the age of 12. During a Screaming Trees tour in 1992, his arm became so badly infected from using heroin needles that doctors considered amputating it.[95] After leaving Screaming Trees, he became homeless for a period,[96] then entered rehab in 1997.[90][97] He credited Courtney Love, who recommended and paid for a year of his rehab and months of rental payments, with saving his life.[96] After his first stint in rehab, he entered a halfway house and was given a job looking after Duff McKagan's house. He relapsed in 2004 and briefly went into a coma.[98] After this relapse, he supported himself financially by painting sets for television shows.[98] He entered rehab again in 2006.[52]

Lanegan was a friend of Kurt Cobain and had been invited to his home a few hours before Cobain's death.[90] He was also a friend of Anthony Bourdain, who encouraged Lanegan to pursue writing a memoir. He wrote an obituary for Bourdain in The Observer after Bourdain's suicide in 2018.[99] He was close friends with Layne Staley and had a highly publicized feud with Liam Gallagher.[95][96] He supported the Seattle SuperSonics basketball team while growing up and switched allegiances to the Los Angeles Clippers upon moving to Los Angeles,[100] though he remained a fan of the Seattle Mariners baseball team.[101]

Lanegan was married twice.[102] He met musician Wendy Rae Fowler in 1998 and married her in 2002, with the couple relocating from Los Angeles to North Carolina. The day after their wedding, Lanegan departed for a tour with Queens of the Stone Age and the couple divorced soon afterwards.[103] His second wife was Shelley Brien, with whom he remained until his death.[97][102] The two left the U.S. and moved to the Irish town of Killarney in 2020.[8][86]

In March 2021, Lanegan was hospitalized with a severe infection of COVID-19 and almost died.[104] The virus led to him temporarily going deaf, losing the ability to walk, and slipping in and out of a coma for several months.[92][104] Nine months later, he said he had concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic was a "natural event"[86] and admitted, "I was one of those knuckleheads who was wary of the vaccine. But I learned my lesson. I'll be the first one to get a booster shot when it's available in Ireland."[15]

Death

[edit]

Lanegan died at his home in Killarney on the morning of February 22, 2022, at the age of 57. No cause of death was revealed.[98][105] Artists including Eddie Vedder,[106] Iggy Pop, Moby, Scott Lucas, Simon Bonney, John Cale,[107] Sleaford Mods, Badly Drawn Boy, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, Slash, Nick Cave, Nick Oliveri, and the members of Manic Street Preachers paid tribute.[102][105] Locals of Killarney, described as a "tightly knit community", also expressed a sense of loss.[107]

An obituary in The Guardian by Stevie Chick remembered him as "one of his generation's most soulful singers".[108] In Variety, music writer Chris Morris described him as "impassioned" and "adventurous".[109]

Lanegan was laid to rest at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles, California.[110]

Discography

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Main article: Mark Lanegan discography

Solo albums[111]

Bibliography

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Mark Lanegan

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Mark Lanegan (November 25, 1964 – February 22, 2022) was an American singer, songwriter, author, and musician renowned for his gravelly baritone voice and contributions to the grunge and alternative rock scenes. Best known as the lead vocalist of the Seattle-based band Screaming Trees, which he co-founded in 1984 during high school, Lanegan helped pioneer the grunge sound alongside contemporaries like and Soundgarden. The band's breakthrough album, (1992), featured the hit single "," which became an alternative rock staple and appeared on the Singles soundtrack. Born in , to schoolteacher parents Dale and Floy, Lanegan grew up in a challenging environment marked by abuse, early alcohol use starting at age 12, and influences from country artists like and punk icons such as and the . He survived a near-fatal tractor accident at age 20 and faced legal troubles as a teenager before channeling his experiences into music. released their debut album in 1986 and achieved further success with (1996), which reached the UK Top 40, though internal tensions led to the band's dissolution in 2000. A voracious collaborator, Lanegan contributed vocals to projects including of the Stone Age (earning Grammy nominations in 2002 and 2003), Mad Season's Above (1995), the with , and albums with , such as the Mercury Prize-nominated Ballad of the Broken Seas (2006). He also guested on tracks by artists like , , and . Lanegan's solo career spanned over three decades, beginning with the blues-inflected The Winding Sheet (1990), which featured guest appearances by Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic of , and encompassing 12 albums noted for their raw, introspective style akin to Leonard Cohen and Nick Cave. His later works included Bubblegum (2004) and contributions to supergroups like Soulsavers. Open about his battles with heroin addiction and homelessness in the grunge era—exacerbated after Cobain's death, when Courtney Love aided his rehabilitation—Lanegan documented these struggles in his memoir Sing Backwards and Weep (2020) and the survival account Devil in a Coma (2021), the latter detailing his 2021 hospitalization that left him with hearing loss and mobility issues. He was married twice, first to Wendy Rae Fowler (divorced) and later to Shelley Brien, with whom he resided in Killarney, Ireland, at the time of his death at the age of 57. The cause of death was not publicly disclosed. Following his death, Lanegan's legacy has been honored through posthumous reissues and collaborations, including features on albums released in 2024 and 2025.

Biography

Early life

Mark Lanegan was born on November 25, 1964, in , a small farming town about 100 miles east of . He came from a family of Irish, Scottish, and Welsh descent, with parents Dale and Floy Lanegan, both of whom worked as teachers. Growing up in rural Washington, Lanegan took on demanding childhood jobs, including driving a on the family farm. His early years were marked by personal turmoil, as he developed an alcohol use disorder by the age of 12, becoming known locally as a before he could legally drink. This escalated to heavy use by age 18, amid a pattern of criminal activity that included breaking and entering, , possession, , , and multiple underage drinking offenses. In his late teens and early adulthood, Lanegan faced repeated legal consequences for his drug-related crimes, spending time in and out of jail for offenses such as drug possession and petty theft. These experiences, including a period of incarceration, profoundly shaped his formative years before he turned to music as an outlet. Lanegan survived a near-fatal at age 20. Lanegan's initial exposure to music came through the vibrant local scene in Ellensburg, a hub for emerging punk and rock acts in the during the , which sparked his interest and led to the formation of early bands in his youth.

Personal life

Lanegan's personal life was marked by intimate relationships that provided both support and challenges amid his ongoing struggles. He married musician in 2002 after meeting her in through mutual connections in the music scene; the union was brief and ended in divorce shortly thereafter. Later, he wed Shelley Brien, with whom he shared a stable home and collaborative creative life until his passing. Building on addictions that began in his youth, Lanegan endured a decades-long battle with and other substances, which led to periods of and to sustain his habits during the 1990s and early . His struggles intensified after Kurt Cobain's death in 1994, when helped him enter rehabilitation. These struggles peaked in severe withdrawal episodes and near-fatal lows, including living on the streets of while dealing drugs. By the early , he achieved sobriety through rehabilitation, maintaining it for over two decades thereafter. In , seeking a quieter existence away from the intensity of , Lanegan and Brien relocated to in , , where his European fanbase and personal roots offered a sense of peace. This move aligned with his long-term sobriety and desire for stability. Lanegan faced a profound health crisis in March 2021 when he contracted a severe case of , leading to hospitalization at University Hospital Kerry. He slipped in and out of a , experienced complete temporary , and suffered significant oxygen deprivation, with doctors initially giving him little chance of survival. The ordeal lasted months, marked by hallucinations and physical debilitation, but he eventually recovered enough to return home.

Death

Mark Lanegan died on February 22, 2022, at the age of 57 in his home in , . His death was announced that day by his management via his official accounts and a statement from spokesman Keith Hagan, who described Lanegan as a "beloved friend" and noted the loss without specifying a cause. The family did not disclose an official , respecting Lanegan's privacy regarding his health, though he had previously detailed a severe hospitalization in 2021 that required a medically . Initial public reactions expressed widespread shock and grief among fans and musicians, with tributes highlighting his distinctive voice and contributions to and ; for instance, Queens of the Stone Age frontman called him "one of the greatest writers and singers I've ever had the honor to work with." Lanegan was buried at in , , in the Garden of Legends section, a site known for interring other notable musicians.

Musical career

Screaming Trees (1984–2000)

The were formed in late 1984 in , by vocalist Mark Lanegan and childhood friends on guitar and on bass, with drummer completing the original lineup. The band emerged from the local underground scene, drawing on psychedelic and influences while developing a raw, proto-grunge sound characterized by Lanegan's brooding baritone vocals and the Conners' swirling guitar textures. Their early years were marked by relentless touring and recordings on independent labels like Velvetone and , establishing them as fixtures in the music community. The band released their debut EP Other Days and Times (1985) along with several studio albums in their initial years, including Buzz Factory (1989), which showcased their evolving style blending hazy psychedelia with heavier riffs. The band issued seven studio albums over their run, with the 2005 compilation Ocean of Confusion: Songs of Screaming Trees 1990–1996 collecting tracks from their Epic Records period, including selections from Uncle Anesthesia (1991), Sweet Oblivion (1992), and Dust (1996). After signing with major label Epic Records in 1990, they entered a more polished era; their Epic debut, Uncle Anesthesia (1991), refined their sound with producer Chris Haskett, setting the stage for broader exposure. The group's commercial peak arrived with (1992), which featured the hit single "Nearly Lost You"—a brooding anthem that peaked at No. 5 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart and benefited from inclusion on the Singles soundtrack. The album sold in excess of 300,000 copies, propelled by the explosion and the band's tours alongside peers like Nirvana and , including joint shows in 1990 and 1991 that highlighted their shared roots. (1996), produced by , marked their final studio effort, incorporating orchestral elements and earning critical praise for tracks like "All I Know," though it failed to match 's sales amid shifting industry tides. By the late 1990s, escalating internal tensions—fueled by , creative clashes between Lanegan and , and the pressures of major-label expectations—hampered progress on a follow-up to Dust. These conflicts, compounded by the band's erratic touring schedule, ultimately led to their disbandment in 2000, ending a 16-year run that positioned them as pioneers despite never achieving superstar status.

Solo career (1990–2021)

Mark Lanegan initiated his solo career in 1990 with , released on Records, which marked a departure from the grunge rock of his band toward raw, introspective folk-blues territory. The album showcased Lanegan's gravelly baritone over sparse acoustic arrangements, drawing from traditional American roots music while incorporating haunting covers like Lead Belly's "." Notable contributions came from Nirvana's (backing vocals on "Down in the Dark") and, on the cover "Where Did You Sleep Last Night," Cobain (electric guitar) and (bass), underscoring Lanegan's ties to the scene. Critics hailed the record for its atmospheric intimacy and Lanegan's vulnerable songwriting, establishing him as a distinctive voice beyond band constraints. Over the next decade, Lanegan released four more solo albums on , refining his signature style of brooding, minimalist soundscapes infused with personal turmoil. Whiskey for the Holy Ghost (1994) delved into dark, boozy narratives with acoustic guitars and subtle strings, praised for its poetic depth and emotional rawness as a "ravishing follow-up" to his debut. This was followed by Scraps at Midnight (1998), a lo-fi collection emphasizing and redemption, and the covers album I'll Take Care of You (1999), which reinterpreted songs by artists like and with somber reverence. Field Songs (2001) continued this trajectory, blending folk elements with ethereal production to explore themes of loss and mortality, receiving acclaim for Lanegan's "literate " and vocal maturity. These early works highlighted his evolution from gritty roots to more atmospheric introspection, often shaped by his struggles with and isolation. After a period of collaborations, Lanegan resumed his solo output in the 2000s with Bubblegum (2004) on Beggars Banquet, a scuffed, melancholic rock effort featuring guests like PJ Harvey, Duff McKagan, and Izzy Stradlin, which addressed lust, longing, and drug psychosis. Widely regarded as a career highlight, it marked his first U.S. chart entry and demonstrated his broadening sonic palette. The 2010s saw a prolific resurgence, with frequent production partnerships alongside Alain Johannes, who co-helmed albums like Blues Funeral (2012, 4AD), Lanegan's highest-charting solo release at No. 21 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 99 on the Billboard 200, blending blues-rock with electronic undertones for a "consistent and deep" exploration of despair. Subsequent records such as Phantom Radio (2014, Vagrant) incorporated gothic synths and influences from Joy Division and The Cure, yielding chilly yet soulful tracks; Gargoyle (2017, Heavenly Recordings) and Somebody's Knocking (2019) pushed into electronic experimentation while retaining dusty atmospheres; and the final Straight Songs of Sorrow (2020) offered reflective, memoir-inspired meditations on pain and redemption. Across his 12 solo albums, Lanegan's work garnered consistent critical praise for its introspective lyrics and weathered vocals, though commercial success remained modest, cementing his legacy as a cult figure in alternative music.

Queens of the Stone Age (2000–2014)

Mark Lanegan's collaboration with Queens of the Stone Age began in 2000 on the band's second album, Rated R, where he provided lead vocals on the track "In the Fade" and backing vocals on "Auto Pilot" and "I Think I Lost My Headache." This initial involvement marked Lanegan's entry into the band's evolving sound, blending his gravelly baritone with Josh Homme's riff-driven rock. By 2001, Lanegan had fully integrated into the group as a de facto member for the recording of Songs for the Deaf (2002), contributing lead or co-lead vocals on several tracks, including "Song for the Dead," "Hangin' Tree," "God Is in the Radio," and the title track "Song for the Deaf," while also co-writing the hit "No One Knows." He toured extensively with the band during this period, performing as a core vocalist alongside Homme and bassist Nick Oliveri, which helped solidify the album's success and the band's reputation in the early 2000s rock scene. Lanegan continued his contributions on (2005), delivering lead vocals on the opener "This Lullaby" and co-lead vocals on the ZZ Top cover "Precious and Grace," a bonus track on the UK edition, along with backing vocals on "Burn the Witch" and "You Got a Killer Scene There, Man…." He also joined the supporting tour, enhancing the live performances with his distinctive presence. Lanegan's role became more sporadic in later years, providing harmony vocals on "River in the Road" from (2007) and backing vocals on "If I Had a Tail" and "Fairweather Friends" from (2013). His involvement concluded after the 2013–2014 tour for , as scheduling conflicts with his solo projects prevented further participation; Homme later described Lanegan's voice as an irreplaceable element that added profound depth to the band's music.

Collaboration with Isobel Campbell (2004–2011)

In 2004, , formerly of Belle & Sebastian, initiated contact with Mark Lanegan after seeking a deep-voiced collaborator for her solo work; a friend recommended Lanegan's solo albums, leading her to send him a demo of the track "Why Does My Head Hurt So?" for her EP . Lanegan responded enthusiastically, improvising vocals over the phone during their first conversation, and their partnership evolved through email exchanges and in-person meetings during his Queens of the Stone Age tour stops in that summer. This marked the beginning of their folk duo, characterized by Campbell's intricate songwriting and multi-instrumental arrangements—often featuring her and —juxtaposed against Lanegan's gravelly , creating a signature contrast reminiscent of classic duos like and . Their debut album, , released in on V2 Records, showcased this synergy on tracks like the brooding "Black Mountain," where Campbell's delicate lines intertwined with Lanegan's brooding delivery to evoke desolate Western landscapes and emotional isolation. The record drew widespread acclaim for its intimate, lo-fi production and the duo's vocal interplay, earning a shortlist nomination for the and praise as a "ramshackle, whiskey-soaked" gem that highlighted their unlikely chemistry. Critics noted how Campbell's ethereal arrangements provided a haunting backdrop for Lanegan's world-weary , fostering a sense of narrative depth in songs exploring regret and redemption. The follow-up, Sunday at Devil Dirt, arrived in 2008, still under V2, with Campbell handling production and arrangements to delve deeper into themes of turbulent , , and quiet despair, as heard in tracks like the sultry "Come On Over (Turn Me On)." The album maintained the duo's acoustic folk core but incorporated subtle and influences, amplifying the emotional tension between Campbell's fragile whispers and Lanegan's raw intensity. Reviewers lauded its atmospheric cohesion and the pair's ability to convey relational fragility without overt drama, though some observed it as a more assured yet familiar extension of their debut sound. By their third and final album, , released in 2010 on , the collaboration introduced more experimental elements, such as layered percussion and dissonant strings on songs like the menacing "Come Undone," pushing beyond their established template toward a darker, more eclectic Americana. Campbell continued to lead the creative direction, writing and producing while directing Lanegan's contributions, though minor tensions arose, including his veto of one track deemed too suggestive. The record received strong notices for its bold evolution and the duo's refined , with outlets highlighting how their contrasting styles enriched the intimate songwriting on motifs of longing and dissolution. The partnership concluded after Hawk, with their last in-person meeting in 2011, as Campbell shifted focus to new solo endeavors and relocated to Los Angeles, allowing the collaboration to naturally dissolve without further joint releases during this period. Throughout their three albums, the duo's work was consistently celebrated for the magnetic pull of their opposing voices—Campbell's airy precision against Lanegan's brooding depth—and their understated approach to folk storytelling, which imbued personal narratives with universal resonance.

The Gutter Twins (2003–2008)

The Gutter Twins were a short-lived rock supergroup formed in 2003 by Mark Lanegan and , the frontman of , serving as a creative outlet for their longstanding mutual admiration and vocal synergy. The duo first crossed paths in , but their collaboration deepened around 2000 when they shared a house in and began contributing to each other's projects, including Lanegan's guest appearances on Dulli's records and joint tours. By 2003, the idea for a dedicated band solidified, with Dulli dubbing them "the Satanic " for their harmonized, brooding style. Development of their debut album faced significant delays due to scheduling conflicts and other commitments, such as Lanegan's work with and extensive touring obligations for both artists, stretching the process over nearly five years. Titled , the album was finally released on March 4, 2008, by Records, featuring 12 tracks of dark, soulful rock infused with elements of electronica, folk, and . Produced primarily by Dulli alongside Lanegan and engineer Mathias Schneeberger, it was recorded in New Orleans and , with guest contributions from musicians including guitarist Dave Rosser on select tracks, bassist Scott Ford, drummer Cully Symington, and keyboardist Jeff Klein. Standout songs like "The Stations," a haunting opener with swirling strings, and "Bete Noire," a gritty exploration of inner turmoil, exemplify the record's atmospheric depth. Thematically, Saturnalia delved into redemption, temptation, and excess, drawing from the artists' personal histories of struggle and resilience to create primal, confessional narratives that evoked a netherworld of salvation and escapism. Live performances were limited, primarily supporting the album's promotion with a handful of U.S. shows in 2008, such as appearances at Bimbo's 365 Club in San Francisco and the Voodoo Music Experience in New Orleans, alongside a BBC Later... with Jools Holland taping. The project went inactive thereafter due to diverging schedules, with no further releases, though it marked a pivotal, if brief, intersection in Lanegan and Dulli's overlapping collaborative endeavors.

Other collaborations (1985–2022)

Throughout his career, Mark Lanegan contributed guest vocals and instrumentation to numerous projects outside his primary band and duo efforts, demonstrating his adaptability across rock, electronic, and world music genres. In the early 1990s, one of his notable early features came on his debut solo album The Winding Sheet (1990), where Kurt Cobain of Nirvana provided electric guitar on the traditional cover "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" and backing vocals on "Down in the Dark," recorded during informal sessions that also served as a side project known as The Jury. Lanegan's mid-2000s collaborations often blended his gravelly baritone with electronic and alternative acts. He provided lead vocals on much of ' 2007 album It's Not How Far You Fall, It's the Slow Ride Down, infusing tracks like "Revival" and "Kingdoms of Rain" with a brooding intensity that complemented the duo's gospel-tinged . This partnership continued on their 2009 release Broken, where Lanegan sang on songs such as "Death Bells" (with ) and "You Will Miss Me When I Burn," and extended to guest appearances on later Soulsavers efforts, including a vocal contribution to "Shine a Light" on (2015). Other significant features from this period included his backing vocals on Martina Topley-Bird's "Anything" from her 2004 album of the same name, a glam-inflected that highlighted his textural depth alongside Queens of the Stone Age's on guitar. In 2009, Lanegan guested on UNKLE's "Another Night Out" from , delivering haunting verses over the British electronic collective's atmospheric production. He revisited this connection in 2017 with lead vocals on "Looking for the Rain" (featuring ESKA) from UNKLE's The Road: Part 1 / Lost Highway, a track blending trip-hop and elements. Lanegan's later contributions further showcased his vocal range in diverse settings. On Moby's 2013 single "The Lonely Night," he provided raw, emotive vocals that contrasted the electronic producer's orchestral arrangements, later reissued with remixes and a reprise featuring . In 2017, he joined Tuareg desert band on "Nànnuflày" from Elwan, adding English lyrics and harmonies alongside to evoke themes of exile and resilience in a hypnotic, guitar-driven soundscape. Toward the end of his life, Lanegan co-led the experimental project Dark Mark vs. Skeleton Joe with producer Joe Cardamone, releasing the self-titled album in , which featured raw, psychedelic tracks like "" (with ) exploring addiction and redemption through distorted and . These guest spots and side ventures, from intimate folk sessions to expansive electronic and global fusions, underscored Lanegan's versatility as a vocalist, often elevating collaborators' work with his weathered and emotional gravitas.

Literary works

Books (2017–2021)

In 2017, Mark Lanegan released I Am the Wolf: Lyrics and Writings, a collection compiling from his solo albums alongside autobiographical commentary, personal anecdotes, and illustrations that provide context for his creative evolution. Published by Da Capo Press, the book delves into the stories behind the songs and the production of his records, offering readers a rare glimpse into the reclusive artist's mindset and influences across his career. Featuring a preface by and a by , it was well-received for its intimate revelations, with critics noting how the annotations transform the into poetic reflections on isolation and resilience. In 2019, Lanegan published Sleevenotes through Pomona Books, a collection of short essays annotating 20 of his favorite songs from his solo career, spanning from the late onward. The book explores the inspirations, creative processes, and personal stories behind tracks, including collaborations with artists like , , and Queens of the Stone Age members. Known for its raw honesty and insights into his emotional and varied musical output, it was praised for humanizing the enigmatic musician and offering a window into his artistic mindset. Lanegan's 2020 memoir Sing Backwards and Weep, issued by Da Capo Press, presents a raw, unfiltered account of his decades-long battle with , the chaotic excesses of the scene in the 1980s and 1990s, and his improbable survival amid homelessness, crime, and loss. The narrative chronicles his early days with the , encounters with figures like and , and the destructive cycles that nearly ended his life, blending brutal honesty with dark humor. Hailed as a gripping and eye-popping read, it became a and earned praise for its vivid portrayal of rock's underbelly and Lanegan's path toward redemption. Also in 2020, Lanegan co-authored Plague Poems with , released by Heartworm Press as a slim volume of 23 poems each, composed amid the early months of the global pandemic to evoke dystopian isolation, fractured love, and existential dread. The collaboration alternates contributions that respond to themes of loss and longing in a world upended by crisis, using sparse, evocative language to mirror the era's uncertainty. It was appreciated for its timely emotional resonance and the synergy between the two artists' voices in confronting collective trauma. Lanegan's Leaving California, published in 2021 by Heartworm Press, gathers 76 original poems that introspect on personal transformation, the weight of past losses, and bittersweet recollections of his time in the state, marking his departure for . The collection weaves paranoia and stark realism with moments of beauty and escape, serving as a poetic companion to his album Straight Songs of Sorrow by exploring redemption through reflection. Critics highlighted its lyrical depth and the wisdom of an "escape artist," praising how it captures the ache of reinvention amid life's relentless churn. The following year, Lanegan published Devil in a Coma through White Rabbit Books, a concise capturing his near-fatal bout with in early 2021 while living in Ireland, including the disorienting hallucinations during his and the grueling physical and emotional recovery that followed. Structured in fragmented vignettes of prose and , the book confronts themes of mortality, regret, and the fragility of health in the pandemic's shadow, drawing parallels to his past brushes with death from . Reviewers commended its hallucinatory intensity and unflinching vulnerability, describing it as a stark on by a hard-living . Across these works, Lanegan's writing consistently grapples with vulnerability, the scars of and recovery, and deep , employing honest, unadorned prose that strips away pretense to reveal the human cost of his experiences. Reviewers across memoirs and alike lauded this authenticity, noting how it humanizes a voice long associated with shadowy noir, while underscoring his growth from chaos to contemplative clarity.

Lanegan's Books

  • I Am the Wolf: Lyrics and Writings (2017). Da Capo Press. 978-0-306-82527-9. 256 pages.
  • Sleevenotes (2019). Pomona Books. 978-1-904590-36-1. 88 pages.
  • Sing Backwards and Weep: A Memoir (2020). Da Capo Press. 978-0-306-92280-0. 352 pages.
  • Plague Poems (with ) (2020). Heartworm Press. ISBN 978-1-64921-173-6. 88 pages.
  • Leaving : Poems (2021). Heartworm Press. ISBN 978-1-63760-883-8. 172 pages.
  • Devil in a : A (2021). White Rabbit (Orion Publishing). ISBN 978-1-39960-184-9. 128 pages.
  • : A World With No Flowers (with ) (2022, posthumous). Heartworm Press. ISBN 979-8-98593-850-0. 76 pages.
  • Ghost Radio (with ) (2022, posthumous). Heartworm Press. ISBN 979-8-98593-851-7. 84 pages.

Works

Solo Studio Albums

Mark Lanegan released twelve solo studio albums during his lifetime, spanning from raw folk-blues explorations to more produced rock and covers collections.
TitleRelease DateLabelChart Positions
May 5, 1990—
June 14, 1994—
October 20, 1998UK #191
I'll Take Care of YouOctober 12, 1999—
Field SongsJuly 10, 2001—
BubblegumMarch 8, 2004UK #43
Blues FuneralFebruary 6, 2012US Billboard 200 #99, UK #21
ImitationsSeptember 17, 2013Vagrant/HeavenlyUK #62
October 21, 2014Vagrant/HeavenlyUK #22
April 28, 2017HeavenlyUK #22
October 18, 2019Heavenly—
Straight Songs of SorrowApril 3, 2020HeavenlyUK #85

Screaming Trees Studio Albums

As lead vocalist of , Lanegan contributed to seven studio albums, evolving from to grunge-influenced alternative.
TitleRelease DateLabelChart Positions
1986Velvetone—
Even If and Especially When1987SST—
1988SST—
Buzz Factory1989SST—
April 8, 1991Epic—
October 13, 1992EpicUS #141
June 25, 1996EpicUS #134, UK #32

Collaborative Albums

Lanegan's major collaborations include three albums with , one with as , and four with where he served as primary vocalist.

With Isobel Campbell

These albums blend Campbell's folk arrangements with Lanegan's vocals, achieving critical acclaim.
TitleRelease DateLabelChart Positions
Ballad of the Broken SeasNovember 14, 2006V2/Cooperative MusicUK #38
Sunday at Devil DirtAugust 25, 2008V2UK #38
August 23, 2010V2UK #29

With The Gutter Twins

TitleRelease DateLabelChart Positions
March 4, 2008US Billboard 200 #117, UK #35

With Soulsavers

Lanegan's contributions shaped these gospel-tinged rock albums.
TitleRelease DateLabelChart Positions
It's Not How Far You Fall, It's the Way You LandOctober 9, 200714th Century Sky—
BrokenAugust 17, 2009V2UK #197
November 17, 2014PIAS—
October 16, 2015PIASUK #82

Singles, EPs, and Compilations

Lanegan issued numerous singles and EPs, often as promotional tie-ins or limited releases, alongside compilations aggregating his early work. Notable examples include the EP No Bells on Sunday (2014, /), featuring tracks from sessions, and Has God Told You EP (2013, self-released). Key singles encompass "Harvest Home" (2004, from Bubblegum, ) and "The Gravedigger's Song" (2012, from Blues Funeral, ). Compilations such as / (2002, reissue) and the box set (2015, ), which remastered his first five solo albums, provide overviews of his Sub Pop era.

Guest Appearances

Lanegan made significant contributions as a guest vocalist on tracks across various artists' albums, including "Somebody's Home" on Martina Topley-Bird's Anything (2003, Independiente), "Method Missing" on UNKLE's The Terminal Head (2003, Global Underground), and multiple appearances on Queens of the Stone Age's Rated R (2000, Interscope), such as "In the Fade." Other notable features include "A Place to Bury Strangers" on Isobel Campbell's There Is a Place (2014, Navarre) and "The River" on Soulsavers' It's Not How Far You Fall, It's the Way You Land (2007).

Lanegan's Books

  • I Am the Wolf: Lyrics and Writings (2017). Da Capo Press. 978-0-306-82527-9. 256 pages.
  • Sleevenotes (2019). Pomona Books. 978-1-904590-36-1. 88 pages.
  • Sing Backwards and Weep: A Memoir (2020). Da Capo Press. 978-0-306-92280-0. 352 pages.
  • Plague Poems (with ) (2020). Heartworm Press. ISBN 978-1-64921-173-6. 88 pages.
  • Leaving : Poems (2021). Heartworm Press. ISBN 978-1-63760-883-8. 172 pages.
  • Devil in a : A (2021). White Rabbit (Orion Publishing). ISBN 978-1-39960-184-9. 128 pages.
  • : A World With No Flowers (with ) (2022). Heartworm Press. ISBN 979-8-98593-850-0. 76 pages.
  • Ghost Radio (with Wesley Eisold) (2022). Heartworm Press. ISBN 979-8-98593-851-7. 84 pages.

Legacy

Musical influence

Mark Lanegan's role as the of positioned him as a pioneer in the movement of the late 1980s and early 1990s, where his raw, emotive delivery helped define the genre's sound alongside contemporaries like Nirvana and . As one of the earliest Seattle-based acts to blend punk, , and heavy metal influences, ' albums such as (1992) contributed to grunge's breakthrough, with Lanegan's baritone providing a haunting counterpoint to the era's more aggressive styles. His close friendship with led to collaborative efforts, including an aborted supergroup project in that highlighted mutual artistic influences within the scene. Lanegan's gravelly, emotive —often described as a "corroded growl"—became a hallmark of his influence, earning praise from prominent musicians for its genre-defining depth and versatility. , with whom Lanegan frequently collaborated, highlighted the "genius" and "brilliance" of Lanegan's unique vocal approach, noting how it added an irreplaceable flavor to their joint projects. lauded Lanegan as a "true singer" whose voice "tears right through you," emphasizing its emotional power in a personal tribute following his death. Similarly, expressed "deepest respect" for Lanegan as a "huge talent," underscoring his admiration for the singer's raw authenticity. Through his extensive contributions to Queens of the Stone Age, Lanegan helped shape the genre, providing lead and backing vocals on six albums from Rated R (2000) to (2013), including the hit "No One Knows," for which he co-wrote and received a BMI Award in 2003. His work expanded the boundaries of and alt-folk, blending bluesy with experimental elements in collaborations that influenced subsequent acts. In 2025, opinion pieces continued to affirm his legacy, with The Cosmic Clash arguing that Lanegan belongs in the same conversation as great songwriters like for his lyrical depth and poetic gravitas. Modern artists such as of The National have drawn stylistic comparisons, with Berninger's smoother baritone evoking a less gravelly echo of Lanegan's approach in solo work like Serpentine Prison (2020). While formal recognitions like Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction for remain under discussion due to their pivotal role, Lanegan's impact is widely acknowledged through tributes and ongoing citations in rock .

Posthumous releases and tributes

Following Mark Lanegan's death on February 22, 2022, his estate oversaw the release of Bubblegum XX, a deluxe 20th of his 2004 Bubblegum, on August 23, 2024, marking his first official posthumous project. The expanded edition features a remastered double LP of the original alongside a bonus disc compiling rarities, demos, covers, and previously unreleased tracks from the era, including a duet with on "Union Tombstone" and the outtake "Heard a Train." Remastered by Geoff Pesche at , the set was issued by in formats including vinyl, CD, and digital, with indie-exclusive colored variants. In October 2025, Lanegan appeared posthumously on Chrissie Hynde's covers Duets Special, contributing vocals to a rendition of Elvis Presley's "," recorded prior to his death with Hynde, Benji Lysaght, Drew Erikson, , and Gus Seyffert. The track, one of two Elvis songs on the album, highlights Lanegan's gravelly in a sparse, intimate arrangement, released via BMG as part of Hynde's collaborative project featuring various artists. Two books dedicated to Lanegan emerged in the years after his passing. Dark Mark Lanegan: Confessions of the Night Porter (Confessions, Lyrics & Nostalgia), published in 2022 by Persian artist Iman Kakai-Lazell, is a custom-made book in her series on music icons, blending collages of rare photos, manipulated lyrics, personal confessions from Lanegan, and contributions from collaborators. Limited-edition , it portrays Lanegan's life through visual and textual fragments, emphasizing his poetic and haunted persona. Greg Prato's Lanegan, released independently in February 2023, is an biography assembled from over 20 new interviews with Lanegan's collaborators, friends, and admirers, including and , chronicling his musical journey and personal struggles. The paperback offers insights into his enigmatic character without relying on Lanegan's own words, as Prato conducted interviews posthumously. Lanegan's death prompted widespread tributes from peers, with posting a concise message of respect on : "Mark Lanegan, RIP, deepest respect for you. Your fan, ." described him as a "beautiful soul" in his Red Hand Files newsletter, praising Lanegan's voice for its : "It tears right through you." , during a February 23, 2022, solo concert in , shared an emotional onstage reflection, noting his physical reaction to the news and affirming, "He's gonna be deeply missed, and at least we will always have his voice to listen to and his words and his books to read." Public remembrances in 2022 and 2023 included fan-curated playlists and informal events honoring his catalog. and saw surges in user-generated tributes, such as the "Mark Lanegan Essentials" playlist compiling 40 tracks from his solo work and collaborations, alongside radio specials like The Night Train's March 2022 episode featuring Queens of the Stone Age tracks with Lanegan's vocals. Cover Me Songs published an "In Memoriam" feature in February 2022, soliciting artist covers of Lanegan's songs, while fan communities shared mixes blending hits with solo deep cuts. These efforts, though not formal concerts, sustained immediate global mourning through shared listening experiences. As of July 2024, Lanegan's estate teased further archival material via , hinting at unreleased songs and projects, though specifics remained limited beyond the Bubblegum reissue and subsequent duets. No major vault openings were confirmed by early 2025, with collaborators like Rich Machin noting a cautious approach to preserving Lanegan's legacy.

References

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  12. http://onewhiskey.com/archive/articles/mojo1004.htm
  13. https://buzzbands.la/2022/02/23/mark-lanegan-a-brilliant-soul-and-a-voice-for-the-ages-dies-at-57/
  14. https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/4749970/mark-lanegan-marriage-shelley-brien/
  15. https://www.thisawfulawesomelife.com/home/2023/3/29/devil-in-a-coma-by-mark-lanegan-a-review-by-fran-joyce
  16. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/mark-lanegan-interview-memoir-kurt-cobain-layne-staley-978123/
  17. https://www.abc.net.au/listen/doublej/music-reads/features/mark-lanegan-beginners-guide/13879094
  18. https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/mark-lanegan-the-self-destructive-musical-underdog-who-came-home-to-killarney-1.4809525
  19. https://www.irishcentral.com/news/mark-lanegan-killarney
  20. https://www.traleetoday.ie/us-rock-artist-details-struggle-with-covid-in-uhk-in-new-book/
  21. https://www.loudersound.com/news/mark-lanegan-details-his-fight-against-covid-19-in-terrifying-new-memoir
  22. https://consequence.net/2021/11/mark-lanegan-covid-new-book/
  23. https://www.brooklynvegan.com/mark-lanegan-details-near-fatal-covid-experience-in-new-memoir-devil-in-a-coma/
  24. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/dec/20/this-thing-was-trying-to-dismantle-me-mark-lanegan-on-nearly-dying-of-covid
  25. https://loudwire.com/mark-lanegan-covid-coma-deaf-book/
  26. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/mark-lanegan-screaming-trees-dead-obituary-1311045/
  27. https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/4747424/who-mark-lanegan-cause-of-death/
  28. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/236974434/mark-lanegan
  29. https://top40weekly.com/screaming-trees/
  30. https://www.digmeoutpodcast.com/p/the-screaming-trees
  31. https://www.discogs.com/artist/76753-Screaming-Trees
  32. https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/interpreter/screaming-trees/154803
  33. https://www.spin.com/2012/08/screaming-trees-look-back-20-years-nearly-lost-you/
  34. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/screaming-trees
  35. https://www.kerrang.com/the-rise-and-fall-of-screaming-trees-through-the-eyes-of-gary-lee-conner
  36. https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-story-of-the-screaming-trees
  37. https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-winding-sheet-mw0000309671
  38. https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/the-best-grunge-albums-of-the-90s/
  39. https://www.loudersound.com/features/mark-lanegan-best-albums
  40. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/3881/mark-lanegan/
  41. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/16253-blues-funeral/
  42. https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/which-queens-of-the-stone-age-songs-feature-mark-lanegan/
  43. https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/mark-lanegan-queens-of-the-stone-age-screaming-trees-8-essential-tracks-obituary/
  44. https://americansongwriter.com/5-songs-to-remember-screaming-trees-and-queens-of-the-stone-age-singer-mark-lanegan/
  45. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/queens-of-the-stone-age/song-for-the-deaf
  46. https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/queens-of-the-stone-age-and-songs-for-the-deaf-at-20/
  47. https://cokemachineglow.com/records/queensofthestoneage-lullabies-2005/
  48. https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/recording-queens-stone-age
  49. https://genius.com/Queens-of-the-stone-age-precious-and-grace-lyrics
  50. https://www.discogs.com/release/5867276-Queens-Of-The-Stone-Age-Like-Clockwork
  51. https://www.spin.com/2013/01/queens-of-the-stone-age-mark-lanegan-lineup-album-songs-for-the-deaf/
  52. https://revolvermag.com/music/mark-lanegan-screaming-trees-and-queens-stone-age-singer-dead-57/
  53. https://magnetmagazine.com/2006/03/22/isobel-campbell-mark-lanegan-the-odd-couple/
  54. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/oct/28/isobel-campbell-mark-lanegan-interview
  55. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/1747-ballad-of-the-broken-seas/
  56. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/jan/27/popandrock.shopping3
  57. https://www.allmusic.com/album/ballad-of-the-broken-seas-mw0000350901
  58. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/11487-sunday-at-devil-dirt/
  59. https://www.uncut.co.uk/reviews/isobel-campbell-and-mark-lanegan-sunday-at-devil-dirt-8046/
  60. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/may/02/popandrock.shopping4
  61. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/14539-hawk/
  62. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/aug/15/isobel-campbell-mark-lanegan-hawk-review
  63. https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/isobel-campbell/
  64. https://pitchfork.com/features/interview/6824-the-gutter-twins/
  65. http://fadedflannel.com/guttertwins/
  66. https://www.subpop.com/releases/the_gutter_twins/saturnalia
  67. https://www.allmusic.com/album/saturnalia-mw0000751553
  68. https://www.discogs.com/release/1305548-The-Gutter-Twins-Saturnalia
  69. http://onewhiskey.com/tour/tour-2008-gutter-twins/
  70. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bf9iBw4j4Ys
  71. https://www.subpop.com/releases/mark_lanegan/the_winding_sheet
  72. https://nirvana-legacy.com/2014/07/16/kurt-cobains-contributions-to-mark-lanegans-the-winding-sheet/
  73. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/jun/04/mark-lanegan-soulsavers-album
  74. https://www.treblezine.com/soulsavers-its-not-how-far-you-fall-its-where-you-land/
  75. https://genius.com/albums/Soulsavers/Broken
  76. https://www.discogs.com/artist/39919-The-Soulsavers
  77. https://www.popmatters.com/topleybirdmartina-anything-2496094554.html
  78. https://consequence.net/2012/02/video-unkle-feat-mark-lanegan-another-night-out/
  79. https://www.stereogum.com/1947871/unkle-looking-for-the-rain-feat-mark-lanegan-eska-video/music/
  80. https://www.stereogum.com/2261102/weve-got-a-file-on-you-moby/interviews/weve-got-a-file-on-you/
  81. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/22865-elwan/
  82. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/feb/23/from-screaming-trees-to-gutter-twins-mark-lanegans-10-greatest-songs
  83. https://www.dacapopress.com/titles/mark-lanegan/i-am-the-wolf/9780306825279/
  84. https://echoesanddust.com/2017/09/mark-lanegan-i-am-the-wolf-lyrics-and-writings/
  85. https://www.pomonauk.com/books/sleevenotes/marklanegan/index.php
  86. https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/53090979-mark-lanegan
  87. https://www.dacapopress.com/titles/mark-lanegan/sing-backwards-and-weep/9780306922800/
  88. https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/may/11/sing-backwards-and-weep-by-mark-lanegan-review-eye-popping-trip
  89. https://www.amazon.com/Sing-Backwards-Weep-Mark-Lanegan/dp/0306922800
  90. https://shop.theheartworm.com/products/mark-lanegan-and-wesley-eisold-plague-poems
  91. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54258420-plague-poems
  92. https://shop.theheartworm.com/products/leavingcalifornia
  93. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/mark-lanegan-leaving-california-poetry-book-1121869/
  94. https://www.theguardian.com/books/2022/jan/10/devil-in-a-coma-by-mark-lanegan-review-a-rock-star-collides-with-covid
  95. https://louderthanwar.com/mark-lanegan-leaving-california-book-review/
  96. https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/mark-lanegan/i-am-the-wolf/9780306825286/
  97. https://www.harvard.com/book/9781649211736
  98. https://books.google.com/books/about/Devil_in_a_Coma.html?id=WSZNEAAAQBAJ
  99. https://shop.theheartworm.com/products/year-zero-a-world-with-no-flowers
  100. https://shop.theheartworm.com/products/ghost-radio
  101. https://www.discogs.com/artist/190551-Mark-Lanegan
  102. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/28643/screaming-trees/
  103. https://www.discogs.com/artist/190551-Mark-Lanegan?filter_anv=0&type=Releases&subtype=Albums&filter_by=year
  104. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/18004/isobel-campbell-and-mark-lanegan/
  105. https://www.discogs.com/artist/190551-Mark-Lanegan?filter_anv=0&type=Releases&subtype=Singles-EPs
  106. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/mark-lanegan-mn0000287350
  107. https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/when-the-worlds-biggest-grunge-icons-nearly-formed-a-supergroup/
  108. https://www.revolutioncomeandgone.com/articles/10/the-jury.php
  109. https://nikdirga.com/2022/02/26/mark-lanegan-grunge-and-the-gone-generation/
  110. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNRy_0oPWOu/?hl=en
  111. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/nick-cave-mark-lanegan-1312692/
  112. https://www.nme.com/news/music/nick-cave-pays-moving-tribute-to-beautiful-soul-mark-lanegan-3169780
  113. https://www.thejournal.ie/tributes-to-mark-lanegan-5690628-Feb2022/
  114. https://loudwire.com/mark-lanegan-died-screaming-trees-queens-of-the-stone-age/
  115. https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/bmi-remembers-singer-songwriter-mark-lanegan
  116. https://thecosmicclash.com/2025/08/29/opinion-mark-lanegan-should-be-in-same-conversation-our-greatest-songwriters/
  117. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/matt-berninger/serpentine-prison/reviews/1/
  118. https://futurerocklegends.com/Artist/Screaming_Trees/
  119. https://consequence.net/2024/07/mark-lanegan-bubblegum-reissue/
  120. https://archive.beggars.com/mark-lanegan-bubblegum-xx/
  121. https://www.nme.com/news/music/chrissie-hynde-exclusive-track-by-track-for-duets-special-cover-album-brandon-flowers-mark-lanegan-3899417
  122. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0tX8wmrH34
  123. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dark-Mark-Lanegan-Confessions-Confession/dp/1739597567
  124. https://moochinaboutltd.bandcamp.com/merch/mark-lanegan-confessions-lyrics-nostalgia-limited-edition
  125. https://www.amazon.com/Lanegan-Greg-Prato/dp/B0BVT3J6LX
  126. https://consequence.net/2023/02/mark-lanegan-remembered-new-book/
  127. https://www.facebook.com/iggypop/posts/message-from-iggymark-lanegan-rip-deepest-respect-for-you-your-fan-iggy-pop/510058920476685/
  128. https://variety.com/2022/music/news/eddie-vedder-mark-lanegan-response-tribute-death-1235188654/
  129. https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/mark-lanegan-essentials/pl.1e058facef694d69ac7e4f758feacce2
  130. https://www.covermesongs.com/2022/02/in-memoriam-mark-lanegan.html
  131. https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/a-posthumous-mark-lanegan-release-is-in-the-works
  132. https://www.reddit.com/r/MarkLanegan/comments/1ixq0sj/is_anything_new_supposed_to_be_coming_out/
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