The Ventures guitarist and co-founder Don Wilson dies, aged 88
24 January 2022, 11:27
2008: Don Wilson poses for photos with The Ventures at 23rd Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
The Ventures were one of the biggest instrumental rock bands of all time.
Listen to this article
Loading audio...
Don Wilson, the co-founder and rhythm guitarist of The Ventures, has died at the age of 88.
His son Tim said that his father died of natural causes in Tacoma, surrounded by his four children, The News Tribune reports.
- '(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction' by The Rolling Stones: The making of the riff-tastic anthem
- 'Monster Mash' by Bobby 'Boris' Pickett: The making of the spooky Halloween classic
"Our dad was an amazing rhythm guitar player who touched people all over world with his band, The Ventures," said Tim.
"He will have his place in history forever and was much loved and appreciated. He will be missed."
Wilson founded The Ventures with Bob Bogle in 1958 in Tacoma, Washington.
Their classic lineup consisted of Wilson on rhythm guitar, Bogle on lead guitar than bass, Nokie Edwards on bass then lead guitar, and Mel Taylor on drums.
The Ventures biggest hits included the number two single 'Walk Don't Run' and number four hit theme song for 'Hawaii Five-O'.
They had 38 charting albums in the 1960s and 1970s and are the best-selling instrumental band of all time, with over 100 million records sold.
They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008.
