Tributes Pour in for Sparklehorse's Mark Linkous

Tributes from a wide range of musicians have been expressed in the wake of the tragic news of the death of Sparklehorse frontman Mark Linkous who committed suicide on Saturday last (Mar. 6).

Radiohead's Colin Greenwood, who toured with Linkous, wrote on the Radiohead website: "I was very sad to hear the news that Mark Linkous has died. He and his band toured with us in Europe, at the start of 'OK Computer', and they were great every night.

"His first two records were very important to me, and I carried his music from the tour into my life, and my friends' lives too. He was softly spoken, with an Old South courtesy I hadn't heard before: he introduced me to Daniel Johnston's music, and the West Virginian writing of Pinckney Benedict. Mark wrote and played some beautiful music, and we're lucky to have it. Rest in Peace."

Producer Steve Albini was moved to say, "I only worked with Mark for a couple of weeks, but he was as open, sincere and unaffected a person as I've ever encountered. He was completely unguarded and enthusiastic about the things he loved, and he gave the musicians he worked with freedom to be creative and excel."

The Flaming Lips' multi-instrumentalist Steven Drozd said: "Mark Linkous toured with us in 2003. Every night he and I would share a quiet moment with a shot of whiskey and a few laughs. A nice memory."

Linkous, 47, shot himself outside a friend's house in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday. he is survived by his wife. parents and three brothers. Linkous was believed to be close to finishing Sparklehorse's fifth album, and was also due to see his record with Danger Mouse, 'Dark Night of the Soul,' released in the summer.