Guitarist Don Wilson has died at the age of 88. The founding member of the American instrumental rock band "The Ventures" died in Tacoma, Washington state. This was announced by his family in a statement that is available to the "People" magazine, among others.
Accordingly, he died "peacefully" and "a natural death". Meanwhile, his four children were by his side. "Our father was a great rhythm guitarist who touched people all over the world with his band The Ventures," explained his son Tim. Wilson will forever have his place in history. He was "very loved and appreciated", now he will be missed.
Don Wilson was born in Tacoma in 1933 and founded "The Ventures" in the late 1950s with his friend Bob Bogle (1934-2009). The band's biggest hits include "Walk, Don't Run", "Pipeline" and "Apache".
"The Ventures" are among the most successful US bands, and they also became particularly well-known in Japan. Until the 2010s, Wilson was active with the group. In 2020, the musician produced the documentary "The Ventures: Stars on Guitars" with his family. He is survived by his children Jill, Tim, Cyd and Staci and ex-wife Nancy Bacon.