Inside the Totally Wired Festival Celebrating The Fall

Celebrating The Fall's Legacy

The Fall, a group known for their unique sound and frontman Mark E Smith's distinctive persona, has left an indelible mark on the music world. Following Smith's death in 2018, the band's legacy continues to inspire new generations of fans.

The Festival Experience

The three-day festival, held at Manchester's Band on the Wall venue, brought together fans from around the world, including those from Australia and the US. The event featured a mix of live music, interviews, walking tours, a film, a play, a quiz, and even a DJ set from poet laureate Simon Armitage.

Live Performances and Tributes

The live music kicked off with Lost in Music, a group comprising Fall royalty and fronted by indie singer-songwriter BC Camplight. They performed songs that The Fall had covered, showcasing the band's eclectic style. The Look Back Bores, a group of fans who don't consider themselves a tribute act, also performed, preferring to describe themselves as 'Fall fans playing Fall songs for Fall fans.'

Fan Stories and Memories

The festival provided a platform for fans to share their stories and memories of The Fall. Marcel from Switzerland recounted how he discovered the band after receiving their first album by mistake. Kevin from San Francisco shared how a 51-track Fall playlist sparked his obsession with the band. Ray from LA talked about seeing The Fall in Manchester 30 years ago and receiving a candy bar thrown into the crowd by Brix Smith Start.

The Future of The Fall's Music

The festival also saw the announcement of a new album, Post Script, billed as the band's 'official final album.' The album features a track that appeared online mere hours before the festival began, sparking mixed reactions from fans and former members.