Marianne Faithfull, the iconic rock singer and actress known for her timeless hit " as Tears Go By," passed away on January 30, 2025, at the age of 78. According to her spokesperson, the singer died peacefully at home in London, surrounded by her loving family. News of her death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from friends, fans, and fellow musicians alike, celebrating her remarkable life and career.
Leading the tributes was Mick Jagger, her former partner and frontman of The Rolling Stones. Jagger posted on X, saying, "I am so saddened to hear of the death of Marianne Faithfull. She was so much part of my life for so long. She was a wonderful friend, a beautiful singer, and a great actress. She will always be remembered." The two had been romantically involved from 1966 until 1970, and Faithfull is credited with inspiring several of the band's songs, including "Wild Horses" and "You Can’t Always Get What You Want."
Keith Richards, another member of The Rolling Stones, shared his condolences: "My heartfelt condolences to Marianne’s family! I am so sad and will miss her!! Love, Keith." Richards posted this message alongside photos of the pair from more recent times.
Other notable figures from the entertainment world also paid respect to Faithfull. Renowned author JK Rowling took to social media to share her thoughts, posting, "One of my favourite albums of all time. RIP Marianne," referencing Faithfull's critically acclaimed 1979 comeback album, "Broken English." Tim Burgess, the frontman of The Charlatans, reminisced about how he fell for Faithfull's music at school, stating, "She was such a free spirit and true talent," and reflected fondly on their meeting years later.
James Dreyfus, the actor and writer, recalled his experience working with Faithfull on the BBC sitcom "Absolutely Fabulous," declaring, "RIP Marianne Faithfull. Was lucky enough to work with her on Ab Fab. She was absolutely lovely..." Radio broadcaster Tony Blackburn also mourned her passing, expressing his sadness and stating, "She gave us some great songs to play. R.I.P."
Faithfull's contributions to the music world began when she was discovered at the tender age of 17 by Rolling Stones’ manager Andrew Loog Oldham after attending one of their parties. She released her debut single "AS Tears Go By," co-written by Jagger and Richards, which became her first hit and marked the beginning of her illustrious career. Throughout the 1960s, she experienced success with various singles and albums, including "Come and Stay With Me" and her self-titled debut album.
Despite her professional achievements, Faithfull's life was marred by personal struggles, including drug addiction and homelessness. After her high-profile relationship with Jagger ended, she went through tumultuous years and spent time living on the streets. She famously found herself embroiled in legal issues surrounding her songwriting credits, particularly for her co-written piece "Sister Morphine," which she had released along with The Rolling Stones.
Faithfull managed to stage remarkable comebacks throughout her career, with her album "Broken English" being heralded as one of her greatest works. Critics praised her raw, confessional style and veteran resilience. The resurgence of her popularity throughout the late 1970s and beyond led to continued artistic exploration and experimentation with her musical style.
Faithfull's final album, "She Walks in Beauty," released in 2021, showcased her lyrical artistry together with Warren Ellis and Nick Cave, spotlighting classic British poetry set to music. Her work was celebrated not just for its beauty but as a testimony to her enduring spirit over decades spent reducing stigmas around addiction and challenging societal expectations of women.
After being declared cancer-free following treatment for breast cancer, Faithfull continued to inspire audiences and maintain significant influence within the industry, with many younger artists citing her as a pivotal figure. Today, those tributes reflect not only her impact on music and film but also her broader cultural legacy.
Indeed, as the music world mourns her passing, it echoes the sentiments of many: Marianne Faithfull was more than just her relationships or struggles; she was, above all, a powerful artist whose work resonates through generations.