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Pirates Guitarist Mick Green Dies at 65

Guitarist Mick Green has passed away aged 65. One of the original breed of authentic British lead guitarists, Green initially lent his considerable six-string skills to Johnny Kidd & the Pirates before becoming guitarist of choice for artists such as Bryan Ferry, Van Morrison and Sir Paul McCartney.

He joined his school friends, bassist Johnny Spence and drummer Frank Farley, in the Pirates in 1962, just after the band scored a huge hit with 'Shakin' All Over' with Joe Moretti on lead guitar. His distinctive style was keenly felt on Johnny Kidd & the Pirates' 1964 hit, 'I'll Never Get Over You,' while the band's version of 'Doctor Feelgood' went on to inspire the Canvey Island band of the same name a decade later.

Indeed, it was during the 1970s that the Pirates came into their own as a live act and made a huge impact on the era's flourishing pub-rock scene. More recently, Green appeared on Sir Paul McCartney's 1999 album, 'Run Devil Run' and Van Morrison's 2008 album, 'Keep It Simple'.

His son, Brad, said, "It is with the greatest of sorrow that I have to inform you all that my father, Mick Green, has this morning (Jan. 11 2010) passed away. My dad will be deeply missed by his family, friends and fans all around the world. He inspired and dazzled with his amazing talent and his sharp personality and wit. His spirit and his music will continue to live on through his music. Thank you all for your support and thoughts."

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Lawrence Moore

Without doubt, one of the most influential guitarists of the '60s and '70s. Buying the Pirates' 'Out of Their Skulls' album changed my approach to guitar playing forever. He will be greatly missed.

September 19 2010 at 3:07 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Roger Cotton

My guitar hero, going all the way back to the original 'Pirates' and finally getting the chance to play with him with the 'Eelpie Allstars' with Art wood at the Hackney Empire.
Very shocked to hear of his sad departure.
God Bless, another one of us gone
Roger Cotton

August 13 2010 at 5:54 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Tony Williams

I am absolutely stunned having just found out about Mick's departure.
I spoke to him on the phone just after the McCartney gig and he was in fine form.
I first saw Mick play in the 60's when JK and the Pirates were doing a summer season at South Pier Blackpool. He became my hero from that moment on.
We finally met some years later when I was playing in a night club in the resort and Mick was with Englebert.
He was very complimentary about my playing which I was slighty embarassed about cos I was simply copying his style.
We stayed in touch and he came to see my band play up in Blackpool staying overnight at my house.
We had a couple of beers and listened to the demos from his new recordings with Shanghi. We lost touch during the 80's and 90's but I am so glad I had the chance to speak to him not too long ago. He had a an amazing style and incredible feel his whole personality was right there in his amazing playing. God bless you Mick and thank you so much for inspiring me and thousands of others.

Tony Wiliams
Stealers Wheel - Jethro Tull

June 25 2010 at 1:36 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
David

Very sad to here Mick Green has passed away! Alway's loved his Burning style and revitting drive.. The 76' Come back album Blew me away! the Last song he Wrote that stuck in my head was "BURNING RUBBER" this Guy blazed a path for the Like's of Dr Feelgood and countless others... very,very said!!! hopfully the pirates will Make it to The R n'R hall of fame...

March 28 2010 at 10:08 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ike

My idol . I,m very sad. He was my guitar hero!

March 05 2010 at 5:45 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jim Zockoll

My first concert EVER was The Pirates supporting Steve Gibbons Band at the Round House in the Mid 70's. I'll never forget it. It spoiled me for ALL future concerts. We got there early and snagged a spot in the 2nd row. I will never forget the look in Steve Gibbon's face as he stood off stage waiting for the 4 encores to end. No one wanted them to stop. How the hell am I going to follow that was the look on his face. Mick was incredible and I hope he continues his encores in heaven.

To the family of Mick Green, thank you for sharing him with us.

January 15 2010 at 3:02 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
John Spooner

I had the good fortune to have played with Mick for about 6 years with Engelbert. He was a great player and friend. I will miss him.

You can get a good cup of tea in Fiji he used to say.

Bless him

January 15 2010 at 11:20 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Caroline D\'Arcy

First saw the Pirates supporting Steve Gibbons Band at the Roundhouse some 30 odd years ago, and could hardly believe how good Mick Green was. Used to stand right near the front trying to work out how he did it, but never could. My husband and I have just returned from his funeral. One of the greats.











January 13 2010 at 12:45 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Clive Giblin

There will never be another!

January 13 2010 at 6:42 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Kevin Hewick

I am just stunned, was enthusing about Mick only last night with some friends.I was lucky enough to see him with The Pirates, Van Morrison and Bryan Ferry.You just had to marvel, Mick was THAT good!

January 12 2010 at 8:12 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply