Renowned guitarist Graeme Naysmith, best known as the guitarist for the U.K. rock band “Pale Saints,” passed away this week at the age of 57. No cause of death has been released.
“Pale Saints” formed in Leeds in the late 1980s and released their debut album, “The Comforts of Madness,” which ended up reaching the top 40 on the U.K. Albums Chart.
Although “Pale Saints” disbanded in 1996, Naysmith continued his career as a guitarist and worked closely on re-releasing the band’s albums. Graeme also played for “X-Ray Eyes,” who issued a statement on their Facebook pagefollowing the passing of their guitarist.
“We’re devastated to say that our guitarist and friend Jock (Graeme) Naysmith died recently,” Naysmith’s other band, the X-Ray Eyes, posted on Facebook. “He was a great guitar player but an even better guy and we’re going to miss him like you wouldn’t believe. He was a much loved husband and father and our thoughts are with all his family. We managed to record a load of new songs with Jock over the last few years, hopefully they’ll be released in the future.”
Penn Live
Ivo Watts Russell, the founder of the record label that signed “Pale Saints,” titled, 4AD, also released a statement following Naysmith’s passing.
“I’ve always been extremely fond of Graeme’s guitar playing. He was one of only a handful of musicians I worked with who wasn’t afraid of a good guitar solo,” 4AD label founder Ivo Watts-Russell said in a statement. “In tribute I simply recommend digging out, or clicking on some horrible streaming service, ‘Henry’ from Pale Saints’ final album “Slow Buildings.” When I first heard the sad news, I blew the cobwebs away, shed a few tears of pleasure and sorrow, and felt grateful for the experience. Goes without saying … play it loud! I can only imagine the deep sorrow felt by his ex-bandmates, especially Chris, who obviously knew the man far better than I.”
Penn Live
Rest in peace!
