John Renbourn, Pentangle Founder and Guitarist, Dies at 70

John Renbourn was found dead by police when he was unable to attend a gig.

The renowned English guitarist and songwriter John Renbourn has passed away at the age of 70 in his home in Harwich in the Scottish Borders. Renbourn is well known and famous for his work with the folk group Pentangle.

Recently Renbourn was on a tour with the guitarist and singer Wizz Jones. This Wednesday night Renbourn was due to play at the Ferry in Glasgow but Renbourn did not come to play. Police then found him at his home on Thursday morning and it is being said that he died from a heart attack. 

Dave Smith the manager of the guitarist who has worked with him for more than 25 years stated to The Guardian that Renbourn was just full of life and was ready for everything. The manager stated that after Renbourn would have finished off this tour with Wizz Jones he would be going on another tour.

Dave explained that Renbourn was also an exceptional teacher and ran workshops all over Europe where many students would come to learn from this great guitarist. Dave also explained that Renbourn will be best remembered for his work with the folk band Pentangle which he founded.

The band included musicians such as the guitarist Bert Jansch who dies back in 2011. Dave then explained that the folk band brought him into prominence and he has an international fan base because of his amazing and influential playing style.

Credit: www.johnrenbourn.co.uk

Among the people who paid tributes to this great guitarist includes DJ Cerys Matthews. Matthews stated that he is very sorry and sad to hear that such a great guitarist has passed away. He stated that it was an honor meeting Renbourn. Recently Renbourn made an appearance on BBC 6 music where he was interviewed by Matthews.

In the interview Renbourn explained a lot of things. He stated that he had grown up in a musical house. He explained that everyone in his family played something and he has been playing a banjo since he was five. Then he explained that it was in search of a job that he found himself preferring to travel and play.

Then Renbourn talked about his ping pong nails which he attaches to his hands as they work as artificial nails. He explained that he was criticized for attaching these ping pong nails. He also admitted that they occasionally fall off. He then talked about the time when one of his ping pong balls came off while he was playing at a very big show in Barbican.

Moreover many of you would remember that in 2007 the original members of the Pentangle were reunited to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. Apart from that Renbourn was also awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ards Guitar Festival. Renbourn leaves behind 2 sons and a daughter.