Kate Bush's guitarist dies as wife pays tribute after 'challenging years'

08 April 2023 , 18:03

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Kate Bush's guitarist dies as wife pays tribute after 'challenging years'

Kate Bush's guitarist Ian Bairnson has died at the age of 69.

Ian, who performed the iconic solo on Kate's song Wuthering Heights, had been battling dementia prior to his death.

The tragic news was announced by his heartbroken wife Leila Bairnson, who took to Instagram to pay tribute to "the sweetest, kindest, loving husband".

"It is with deep sadness and regret that I let you know that my loving husband Ian Bairnson has passed away on Friday 7th April," Leila wrote.

"Ian was the sweetest, kindest, loving husband I could ever have wished for and I take comfort that he is resting now up there in his very own piece of 'Blue Blue Sky'.

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Ian Bairnson has died aged 69 (Getty Images)

"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."

She went on to thank the doctors and nurses who looked after Ian, as well as her family and close friends for their love and support "during these challenging years".

"I would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Frimley Park Hospital, the managers and carers at Lynwood Care Home and our families and close friends for the love and support they have provided us during these challenging years of Ian’s long battle with dementia."

Leila Bairnson has paid tribute to her loving husband (leila_bairnson/Instagram)

Leila's followers took to the comments to offer their condolences.

One person wrote: "I’m so sorry to hear this news Leila. I’m sending you all my love. Ian was a truly great man, and one of the biggest and most important influences in my life."

"So sad Leila, sending you my love Rip. Ian," another fan commented while a third said: "I'm so sorry Leila, sending all my love."

Ian had worked as a session guitarist before joining up with former Bay City Rollers musicians David Paton and Bill Lyall to form the band Pilot in 1973.

Several members of the band went on to form the The Alan Parsons Project, a rock band that was together from 1975 to 1990.

Ian has also played with Bucks Fizz, co-writing two of their Top 20 hits, If You Can’t Stand the Heat and Run for Your Life.

Throughout his career, the musician played on more than a hundred albums with artists including Neil Diamond, Joe Cocker and Mick Fleetwood.

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