Tim Smith of Cardiacs: A Tribute

We pay tribute to the life and legacy of Tim Smith, singer, songwriter and frontman of the enigmatic British band Cardiacs. We talk with Moe Staiano and Polly Moller Springhorn, fellow members of American tribute band ReCardiacsFly of his music, style, and presence.

Smith passed away on July 22, 2020. We extend our thoughts and condolences to his family and friends.

[thehotyounggrandpas]

The Cardiacs "family" is slowly growing. One day, we'll all listen to Tim. Miss ya, man.

[Herecomesthefatlady]

Tim was, without doubt a genius. Until the introduction of the computer he hand wrote all the scores for his complex and beautiful music, having self-taught himself notation as a teenager. His music is criminally underrated.

It’s so good to know that there is a dedicated following across the big pond in the US. Please continue to spread the word of Tim’s inspired creativity xxx

[andrewvenables]

Best live band for me ever. RIP Tim. Such a huge part of my youth. Thank you.

[johnmarlow]

Cardiacs: Possibly one of the most under-rated bands ever.... Tim, was quite simply a visionary and a genius: RiP Tim

[HELLHAMMERHANDHIX]

R.I.P Tim, thanx 4 all the shows and memories !!!

[hplovehandle]

RIP Tim Smith, and RIP Heather Silvermoon, who introduced me to their music. XXX

[danielg]

Listenin’ to you talkin’ it’s like there’s only the UK and US in the world. I am from neither country and I always loved Tim Smith and The Cardiacs. Put that in your trumpet!

[jurgendeblonde]

Thank you for paying tribute to Tim Smith and Cardiacs.

[littlejohnnyturtle]

They keep becoming more and more popular.

[vanessadoidge]

This band formed a large part of my youth and it was a privilege to see them perform on many occasions. Thank you for posting.

[neilparry]

Nice tribute, thanks. I was never sure if they'd "hit" over in the States but good to see that they had amongst a few discerning people! I saw them three times (1993, 1999 and 2008) and was fortunate to spend some time talking to Tim, Jim, Jon Poole, Bob Leith and Dominic Luckman after the '99 gig (in Bristol, UK). I have photographs!! I first discovered them in around '88 when Little Man And A House first came out because a mate (that's a "friend" to you!) gave me a tape of it because I was well into XTC then (still am!) and he thought it was sort of coming from the same place - a bit! I've loved them ever since and have all the albums and a couple of 7" singles. One of my All-Time Top-Ten bands and life would not have been the same without them in it! Great to know that, between us, the joy of Tim's music will never be forgotten. Love & peace from the UK.

[rogermoore]

a one off genius of the highest order.

[jasonharris]

Great band saw them in Cardiff university in 1984 supporting Marillion stole the show

[JohnLudi]

They've quickly become a favorite that I somehow missed when I was into all manner of stuff like Henry Cow and Magma (as well as punk) back in the day.

That guy mentioned Amy X Nueberg...another brilliant one!

[LordMarlle]

If you'd asked me, I would have said that a Cardiacs cover band, would be a bad idea / impossible to pull off. And judging from the few moments in the clip, it's good nobody asked me