RIP Jim Marshall

BY Mark Ashby
Local musicians have been reacting to the death of ‘the Father of Loud’, Jim Marshall– the creator of the infamous Marshall amp – who has died at the age of 88.
Marshall produced his first amp while working in a drum shop in Hanwell Broadway, Ealing, in 1962. It was designed to help create richer sound for guitarists who were unable to afford the expensive US Fender amplifiers. Over the next 50 years, his products have become synonymous with rock music in particular, used by almost every major guitarist, from Jimi Hendrix to Slash, our own Gary Moore to Eddie Van Halen. Pete Townsend to Joe Bonamassa.
Among the hundreds of tributes published online are many from local musicians.
Andrew Baxter of Stormzone led the Facebook tributes, saying “another legend leaves the stage”. Jon Harrison, bassist and vocalist with Double-Wide, said: “RIP The Guv’nor. Sad news, where would we be without his innovation? He gave a voice to so many greats that otherwise would have gone unheard... Papa Marshall… turning it up to 11 in the sky...”
Overoth guitarist Andy described Marshall as “without doubt the biggest rock star out there!” while Christopher Seaton of Sweet Taste described it as a “sad day”, saying “been playing Marshalls since I was 12 years old and haven't played anything else live”, and Elliot Patterson of Midnight Transmission said Marshall’s amps were “the reason that musicians get that awesome tone and bite”.
Simon Pickett, guitarist with Bakken, wrote “dunno where we'd be without his innovation, the world would probably not rock anywhere near as much!” while Ivan O’Sullivan, of Dublin metallers Xerosun, added that Marshall “gave metal its voice for many years”.
Paul Anthony, guitarist with hardcore band By Any Means, summed up the feelings of many on the Northern Ireland music scene when he wrote: “The 50th anniversary of Marshall Amplification this year and the founder and creator Jim Marshall died today. Sad to hear of his passing. This man made guitar amplification exciting, creating overdrive and tones never previously thought of. The true creator of rock music, I'm proud to say I've always used Marshall amps and will until the day I die. The JCM800 I still use will stay with me and get played forever. A truly legendary amp, a truly legendary man.."