Don Wilson, co-founder and rhythm guitarist of influential instrumental rock band The Ventures, has died at the age of 88.
The news was first reported by Seattle-based journalist St. Brian, who shared a message from Wilson's family on Twitter, confirming that the musician had passed away in his sleep on Saturday morning (January 22).
After this a statement came from the family. “Our dad was an amazing rhythm guitarist who touched people around the world with his band, The Ventures. He will forever remain in history and was greatly loved and appreciated. He will be missed,” said his son. Tim told People.
His family says Don Wilson, a founding member of The Ventures, passed away this morning in his sleep. With over 100 million records sold, The Ventures are the best selling and arguably the most influential instrumental rock band of all time. Wilson, the rhythm guitarist, was 88. pic.twitter.com/mgzQS8t4qU
— Saint Bryan (@saintbryan) January 22, 2022
Wilson formed The Ventures with bassist Bog Bogle in 1968, when the pair were employed as construction workers in Seattle. Two years later, his cover of Johnny Smith's "Walk, Don't Run" peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. The band sold over 100 million records and inspired The Beatles, Beach Boys and KISS with Gene. Simmons was reportedly an early member of his fan club.
The Ventures are credited with helping to popularize the electric guitar in the United States and around the world, and are the best-selling instrumental band of all time.
The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008. John Fogerty said at the ceremony, "'Walk, Don't Run' started a new movement in rock and roll." "Its sound became 'surf music' and its audacity empowered guitarists everywhere."
Bogle died of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2009 at the age of 75, but Wilson was an active member of the Ventures until his retirement in 2015. However, he continued to record with the group's current line-up and produced the 2020 documentary. Ventures: Stars on guitar with his family.
"Don Wilson, guitarist for Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame group, The Ventures, passed away this morning," his bandmates said in a tribute on Instagram. "Don was an inspiration and mentor. She was a unique talent that inspired countless musicians like us. We lost a good friend, fellow musician, world-class artist and beloved bandmate. Don Wilson has left the stage. We will cherish him forever." Will miss you."
Many other tributes have started pouring in for Wilson on social media. You can see a selection of them below:
Don Wilson - RIP
— Nerds Attack! (@nerdsattack) January 23, 2022
(The Ventures)#DonWilson pic.twitter.com/XWXi2IjYMn
A tremendous loss. #DonWilson launched a million bands and inspired rhythm guitarists like me to soar in the pocket. #TheVentures https://t.co/6eV8DvQe0w
— Sean Gaillard (@smgaillard) January 22, 2022
Don Wilson, a founding member of the pioneering surf rock group The Ventures, has died. He was 88. The rhythm guitarist's family tells PEOPLE he died peacefully of natural causes Saturday morning in Tacoma, Wash. Wilson had his four children by his side at the time.😢 pic.twitter.com/eRhoXuDibx
— Sumner (@diamondlass99) January 22, 2022