Guitarist Bert Weedon, who inspired the likes of Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney and Brian May with his Play In A Day books, has died at the age of 91.
Weedon passed away at his home in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, this morning (April 20).
Weedon – known as ‘Mr Guitar’ – started out playing with big bands, including the popular Ted Heath Band, before embarking on a solo career. He scored numerous hits including Guitar Boogie Shuffle and Nashville Boogie.
During the rock’n’roll era Weedon became an in-demand session musician, playing with stars including Cliff Richard, Adam Faith, Billy Fury, Tommy Steele and Marty Wilde.
Weedon’s first Play In A Day was published in 1957 and the books have sold in their millions.
Eric Clapton paid tribute by thanking Weedon “for all those tips on guitar playing that I got from your book when I was young”.
Queen’s Brian May called Weedon a “legend” and thanked him for “spreading the guitar and your enthusiasm to all of us”.
A message on behalf of Marshall Amplifiers, whose founder Jim Marshall died earlier this month, said: “Very sad day today as we say goodbye to Jim’s close friend Bert Weedon. We take comfort in knowing two such good friends are reunited again.”