Marianne Faithfull, an inimitable legend, has bid farewell at 78, leaving behind an indelible mark on music and culture. Her artistic flights and plunges have captivated audiences for decades.
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From aristocracy to asphalt jungle
Born in 1946 in London, with Austrian noble blood, Marianne Faithfull traded stately halls for the streets of Reading. In her teens, she moved to London and met the Rolling Stones’ manager, Andrew Loog Oldham. In 1964, her debut single “As Tears Go By”, penned by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, soared into the UK Top 10, thrusting Marianne into the spotlight. She quickly became a figurehead of Swinging London, distinguishing herself not only as a singer but also as an actress, starring in Chekhov’s “Three Sisters” and “Hamlet” with Anjelica Huston. Her cinematic prowess shone in Godard’s “Made in the USA”.
The Rolling Stones years: love and chaos
Passionate and tumultuous, her relationship with Mick Jagger inspired rock classics like “Wild Horses”. Faithfull, both muse and scandalous figure, grabbed headlines, particularly after the 1967 police raid at Keith Richards’ home where she was found naked.
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Fall and resurrection
The 70s were a challenging period for Faithfull. Homeless in London after losing custody of her son and separating from Jagger, she faced profound struggles that shaped her deeply. In 1976, she re-emerged with “Dreamin’ My Dreams”, but it was “Broken English” in 1979 that marked her artistic rebirth. Her voice, now gravelly with experience, struck a chord with a new generation.
Honors and accolades
In 2009, Faithfull was honored with the World Lifetime Achievement Award at the Women’s World Awards and was made a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government, acknowledging her unique contributions and lasting influence.
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Ever-evolving
Collaborating with luminaries like Nick Cave, Warren Ellis, Lou Reed, and Metallica, Marianne’s ability to reinvent herself kept her at the forefront of the evolving music scene. With 21 studio albums, she remains a creative force. On screen, she portrayed characters as diverse as the devil in “The Black Rider” and Empress Maria Theresa in Coppola’s “Marie Antoinette”.
Personal life and legacy
Marianne’s personal life saw three marriages and divorces: to artist John Dunbar in 1965, to The Vibrators’ Ben Brierly in 1979, and to actor Giorgio Della Terza in 1988. She leaves behind her son, Nicholas Dunbar, the keeper of her legacy.
Resilience until the end
Despite serious health challenges, including hepatitis C, breast cancer, and COVID-19, she continued creating. Her song “They Come at Night”, written after the 2015 Paris attacks, is a testament to her enduring resilience.
An enduring presence
Marianne Faithfull’s departure leaves a void, but her echo will resonate eternally. As Mick Jagger said: “She was a wonderful friend, a beautiful singer, and a great actress. She will always be remembered.” With a six-decade career marked by triumphs and trials, Marianne Faithfull remains an inspiring, fascinating figure. Her rebellious spirit and ability to reinvent herself make her an enduring icon of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Photos : Jacques Haillot/MJ Kim/Gered Mankowitz/Universal Music/Getty Images/DR Getty Images/DR
