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Folk guitarist Bert Jansch dies

Bert Jansch, an influence and inspiration for a generation of rock guitarists, has died at the age of 67.

The Scottish folk musician was a founding member of the group Pentangle with whom he gave his last public performance in August when they reformed.

Jansch was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2009 and had to cancel some recent shows due to illness. He died in the early hours of this morning in a north London hospice, his spokesman said.

He was a prominent figure in the folk revival of the 1960s and was honoured at the BBC Folk Awards with a lifetime achievement award.

But his reputation as a virtuoso guitarist extended well beyond the folk circuit and he has often been cited as an influence by musicians such as Johnny Marr and Bernard Butler. Both guitarists have shared a stage with him and performed on his Crimson Moon album.

One of his final recording sessions was with Pete Doherty.

He has been in hospital for a number of weeks after his health deteriorated shortly after his August 1 gig with Pentangle at London's Royal Festival Hall.

The Glasgow-born musician lived in north London with his wife, Lauren.

Jansch was held in esteem by figures such as Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page and Canadian star Neil Young, with whom he toured earlier this year.

Young has compared him to Jimi Hendrix for his ability and innovative playing. "As much of a great guitar player as Jimi was, Bert Jansch is the same thing for acoustic guitar - and my favourite," he has said.

Source: music.uk.msn.com
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