Radiohead bassist Colin Greenwood has paid tribute to Mark Linkous, who died on Saturday (March 6).

The Sparklehorse frontman, who was thought to be in his forties, committed suicide, his family said.

In a statement, Greenwood said he was “very sad” to hear of Linkous' death, adding that the star was responsible for “some beautiful music”.

He also acknowledged the impact the singer-songwriter had made on him when Sparklehorse supported Radiohead in the nineties.

“He and his band toured with us in Europe, at the start of OK Computer, and they were great every night,” Greenwood said.

“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.”

The bassist added: “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.”

In a statement at the weekend, Linkous' family said they were “thankful for his time and will hold him in our hearts”.

(by Jason Gregory)