Mark E Smith Writes 417 Royalty Cheques Every Year

From the mind of prolific Chicago "pop" artist, Derek Erdman, these exlusive 11x17 art prints come on superfine mohawk paper stock and are limited to 100 copies only. Each will be signed and numbered by Derek Erdman.


*Click to see larger image.

Derek Erdman is a Chicago artist known for his original portraits of everyone from Mike Schmidt and Eddie Murray, to Larry Hagman and Nell Carter.

Below, in Derek's own words and imagination, is his latest portrait project commissioned exclusively for Insound.

"On August 10th of every year, Mark E. Smith, leader and founder of semi-popular music group The Fall writes 417 royalty cheques to past and present members for their participation in the band. There have been a total of 592 members in the group including Smith since its beginning in 1976, but some have passed on, some cannot be found and some refuse the royalties stating that they want no longer want anything to do with the group. 'I've been coming for 6 years, it's not a lot of money but it's enough for snacks' says Tammy Barger who was the 11th keyboard player in 2001. Members who have been with the group for longer periods of time reap larger cheques. Paul Hanley was a member from 1980 until 1985 and sees a check of approximately £41. 'My wife makes me come; she says that I act they way that I do because of Mark and it's the least he can do to make up for it.' The process of writing the cheques takes 13 hours; groups of recipients are given appointment times and they are shuffled in by the dozen. 'It's bloody hard on the hand, innit cock?' said Smith about the process of writing the cheques before drooling onto the desk. There is an unsubstantiated rumor that the last person to arrive and leave every year is Karl Burns, who is often dressed in drag and answers only to the name 'Karla.' 'He doesn't have that name written on the cheque though; he wouldn't be able to cash it!' said Wampus Reynolds, the 15th bass player in 2004.'"

For more information on Derek Erdman's work click here.