Ian Bairnson, the Scottish guitarist and multi-instrumentalist, passed away on April 7th at the age of 69.
His distinctive sound and style first came to public attention in the band Pilot which although shortlived had several excellent singles, produced by Alan Parsons.
Later he appeared on the first five Kate Bush albums, and, along with his Pilot bandmate Alan Paton, every Alan Parsons Project album. He was also on the side project Keats which comprised several APP members, plus Peter Bardens (ex-Camel) and Colin Blunstone.
He has had more influence on my own sound and style than many other guitarists I could name.