Nick Cave and Paul McCartney have recently spoken out about the sad passing of Marianne Faithfull at 78, as Nick marked the tragic loss as "not just a fiercely unique talent, but the stored knowledge of a generation". As fans and friends mourn the legendary singer, heartfelt tributes flood in from her former partner Sir Mick Jagger and his Rolling Stones band members Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards. Her death was confirmed on Thursday by a spokesperson, who said: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of the singer, songwriter and actress Marianne Faithfull. Marianne passed away peacefully in London today, in the company of her loving family. She will be dearly missed.”.

Cave expressed his sentiments this Friday to PA news agency, stating, "A wild woman, bold, brilliant and beautiful. We have lost not just a fiercely unique talent, but the stored knowledge of a generation. Through her extraordinary, defiant and lived-in voice, Marianne brought her own maverick truth to every song she sang, and every story she spoke. We loved her very much.". Paul McCartney also paid tribute, taking to his Instagram page to pen an emotional tribute, which began: “What sad news that Marianne Faithfull has passed away." He then continued: “She came into my life in the Sixties and was a beautiful, sweet 17 year old who radiated innocent joy. Then through the years I was lucky enough to run into her and to become a life-long friend.

“It’s very sad to think that I won’t be meeting her again but my memories of our encounters over the years will always bring me joy. May god bless you Marianne and guide you in the next steps of your journey," he emotionally concluded. Sir Mick, now 81 and who shared a part of his life with Faithfull from 1966 till their separation in 1970 after departing from model and actress Chrissie Shrimpton, penned a sombre note: "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.".

Bianca Jagger, who was wedded to Sir Mick from 1971 until 1978, expressed her sorrow online, posting on Instagram that Faithfull will be "greatly missed". A host of other stars and musicians took to social media to say their goodbyes to the singer including Blur guitarist Graham Coxon, The Charlatans lead singer Tim Burgess, English actor James Dreyfuss, Irish actor and The Tudors star Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Jurassic Park star Sam Neill and Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich.

After being spotted by Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham in the 1960s, Faithfull launched her self-titled debut album in 1965, which boasted top 10 hits As Tears Go By and Come And Stay With Me, simultaneously with follow-up LP Come My Way, which was predominantly composed of folk covers. Her first hit, As Tears Go By, penned by Sir Mick and Richards, charted at number nine, and was succeeded by a string of successful singles including This Little Bird, a rendition of The Beatles' Yesterday and Summer Nights.

It's been suggested that Faithfull was the muse behind several Stones songs including 'You Can't Always Get What You Want' and 'Dear Doctor'. Additionally, it's been reported that The Beatles' 'And Your Bird Can Sing' was inspired by her relationship with Sir Mick. After her split with Mick, in 1979, she made a comeback with the release of her new wave-influenced album 'Broken English', which is now considered a classic.

Faithfull also performed a duet of Sonny And Cher's 'I Got You Babe' with David Bowie on his 'The 1980 Floor Show', which aired in the US in 1973. For this performance, Faithfull was dressed as a nun. She also made a memorable appearance as God in the hit TV sitcom 'Absolutely Fabulous', where Anita Pallenberg, the ex-partner of Rolling Stones' Brian Jones and Keith Richards, played the devil. One of her early silver screen moments was in 'I'll Never Forget What's 'Is Name' (1967) with Orson Welles, and she lent her voice to the character of Bene Gesserit Ancestor in the epic 'Dune' (2021).