Dr Jim Marshall OBE, eponymous founder of Marshall Amplification has passed away, aged 88.
A statement on the Marshall website pays tribute to the man who founded the company 50 years ago. It reads: "It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved founder and leader for the past 50 years, Jim Marshall. While mourning the Guv’nor though, we also salute a legendary man who led a full and truly remarkable life.
"Jim’s ascent into the history books as ‘the Father of Loud’ and the man responsible for ‘the Sound of Rock’ is a true rags-to-riches tale. Cruelly robbed of his youth by tubercular bones, Jim rose to become one of the four forefathers responsible for creating the tools that allowed rock guitar as we know and love it today to be born. The ground breaking quartet also includes the late, great trio of Leo Fender, Les Paul and Seth Lover – together with Jim, they truly are the cornerstones of all things rock.
"In addition to the creation of the amps chosen by countless guitar heroes and game changing bands, Jim was also an incredibly humble and generous man who, over the past several decades, has quietly donated many millions of pounds to worthy causes.
"While the entire Marshall Amplification family mourns Jim’s passing and will miss him tremendously, we all feel richer for having known him and are happy in the knowledge that he is now in a much better place which has just got a whole lot louder!
Rest in Peace & thank you Jim."
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5 comments
Sad News. But what a legend. Jim has had such a massive impact on the industry that we all hold so dear.
alex mew INDUSTRY
0 3Apr 5th 2012 at 11:58AM
Truly very sad news indeed. Jim would not talk to me, because I was a competitor... but hey Jim, I won't hold it against you. You did an exceedingly fine job whilst on Earth. Let's see what you can get up to on 'the other side' for when we all arrive!! ;-) My sincere condolences to his family.
Stewart Ward - Session Amplifiers (Axess Electronics/Award-Session)
Stewart Ward INDUSTRY
0 2Apr 5th 2012 at 12:21PM
Truly an icon and a legend in our industry and one that helped to establish a reputation for British products that remains.
Many of us would not be doing what we do if things had been different.
Paul Stevens INDUSTRY
0 2Apr 5th 2012 at 1:43PM
Truly an inspiration to us all and he will be sadly missed. The winding, snake-like queues at every trade show that Jim attended where he would spend all day signing autographs for people, demonstrates the status he was held in by the whole of the music world. RIP The King of Loud.
Alistair Fletcher INDUSTRY
0 0Apr 5th 2012 at 1:53PM
SO sad to hear this news!
The only person in this business to buy us a meal!
A drummer - a legend
Thank you dear Jim Marshall
Bless you!
Safe journey!
Shirley McLean INDUSTRY
0 1Apr 5th 2012 at 2:36PM