Pioneering guitarist and singer John Martyn OBE has died, aged 60.
A statement on his website this morning read:
"With heavy heart and an unbearable sense of loss we must announce that John died this morning."
He leaves a legacy of superb songs and guitar playing than covered the expansive ground from sublime acoustic fingerpicking to bravely experimental electric, releasing 20 studio albums over a forty-year career.
John had suffered from poor health for a number of years, and had his lower right leg amputated several years ago as a result of septicaemia. But the charismatic artist remained reflective and grateful for his career even though troubled times:
"I could see it coming," he said of the amputation. "I had myself resigned to it well before it happened. But it could have happened when I was 15 and changed my life entirely. Even if I popped my clogs tomorrow, I've had a wonderful time. I can't argue at all about the way that life's dealt me."
“It’s always special when a young artist can connect with so many people so quickly”: Apple Music’s 2024 Artist of the Year is Billie Eilish
“It was an immediate no-brainer for Cynthia and I. We both were like, ‘well, of course we’re singing live’”: Ariana Grande says that there was never any doubt that the Wicked movie vocals would be recorded on set
“It’s always special when a young artist can connect with so many people so quickly”: Apple Music’s 2024 Artist of the Year is Billie Eilish
“It was an immediate no-brainer for Cynthia and I. We both were like, ‘well, of course we’re singing live’”: Ariana Grande says that there was never any doubt that the Wicked movie vocals would be recorded on set
