Bert Jansch, Pentangle guitarist (1943–2011)

Bert Jansch, Scottish folk musician and founding member of the band Pentangle, has died at the age of 67 after a long battle with cancer. Widely considered one of the most important and influential guitarists of the past fifty years, Jansch passed away this morning at a hospice in Hampstead. He was a two-time Lifetime Achievement Award winner at the BBC Folk Awards and will be remembered for his pivotal role in the British folk revival of the 1970s.

Jansch was a key player in the London scene of the sixties and seventies, alongside peers like Paul Simon and John Renbourn. His influence has been felt and acknowledged many outstanding guitarists over the years, including Johnny Marr, Nick Drake, Bernard Butler and Devandra Banhart. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.