Legendary New Zealand Guitarist Dies
It's with great sadness that we report the death of one of New Zealand's finest guitarists Martin Winch.
Martin lost his battle with cancer this afternoon at the age of 62. During the 1970's and 80's, he played with bands such as Salty Dogg, Dr Tree and the 1860 Band. He toured with musicals such as Chicago, My Fair Lady and Jesus Christ Superstar.
In 1999 Graham Reid and Russell Ballie from the New Zealand Herald named him one of the Top 10 New Zealand guitarists.
Martin's series of Espresso Guitar albums sold over 80,000 copies in New Zealand alone, with the first one peaking at the number spot on the NZ charts.
All of us here at Libel Music send our condolences to the family and friends of Martin Winch.
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Martin winch's passing is a sad blow to nz music. he was, and will always be, a valued member of the variety artists club of nz (vac). his funeral today will be the farewell to one of entertainment's supreme musicians and great human being. much love. r.i.p. from all at the vac. glenda (sec)
ReplyI had the privilege of working with martin several times in christchurch with the velvettes. colossal talent and extremely witty and loveable man. a loss to all of us. my thoughts are with paul his son.
ReplyI worked with martin and his brother rob at the 1860, 6 nights a week plus sat afternoon plus the r.fox bb on sundays. that's 8 gigs a week. to top this we would get together bleary eyed on a sat morning to jam before the afternoon gig. martin would practice his lightning arpeggios and runs and i would play in unison with him on the drums, trying to see who could outstrip the other. in our young hot blooded days when we were so passionate about everything i have to say that martin was always the voice of calm reason and the greatest of gentlemen at all times. it is my lifelong regret that i could not continue to play with martin since those days but am very glad to have been a part of his life. heartfelt condolences to rob and to martin's wife and family.
ReplyThis news has been received with much sadness from both richard bluck and myself. martin was a fantastic musician and a lovely guy. i was privileged to have worked with him during the 80's on some of my film works and contemporary dance scores. it was great to have started jamming with him n auckland 2 years ago. rip martin and our thoughts go to your family. michelle scullion
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