The guitarist behind Kate Bush's iconic 1978 hit "Wuthering Heights," Ian Bairnson, has died after a long battle with dementia. He was 69.
"It is with deep sadness and regret that I let you know that my loving husband Ian Bairnson has passed away on Friday 7 April," wrote his wife, Leila Bairnson on Instagram.
She described him as the "sweetest, kindest, loving husband I could ever have wished for," and added that she takes comfort in knowing that he is in his own "Blue Blue Sky."
The guitarist had been suffering from dementia since 2018. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dementia isn't a specific disease, but a general term. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia.
Bairnson's Bio
According to reports, the guitarist hails from Shetland, Scotland in 1953. He began pursuing a career in music at a young age and eventually landed the guitarist position with the Pilot in 1973.
Aside from his work with the Pilot-which spanned four years and four albums-Bairnson went on to work with Alan Parsons Project; he produced the band's debut album.
His music pursuits led him to Bush and her first four albums, "The Kick Inside" and "Lionheart" which were released in 1978, "Never For Ever" released in 1980, and "The Dreaming" released in 1982.
Bairnson also collaborated with Mick Fleetwood, Neil Diamond, Joe Cocker, Sting, and Eric Clapton.
Despite not being known as one of the most popular guitarists of his generation, he remains to be a niche favorite among fans.
This is a sentiment that was emphasized by his wife in her tribute post: "Although Ian has left us, his musical legacy stays with us and will continue to delight and brighten our lives, as it did his, forever."
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Alan Parson's Tribute
Parsons was Bairnson's long-time collaborator and friend. The artist was distraught by the sudden news of the guitarist's death, and took the time to pay tribute to him on his social media account.
He had nothing but great things to say about the late musician: I have always considered Ian a musical genius.
"It was a great pleasure to have him participate on every album by The Alan Parsons Project and several other albums under my name since. He has played with many other talented artists as well throughout his incredible career."
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