Guitarist Wayne Perkins, who cemented himself as a true legend in the music industry, has passed away at the age of 74 following an incredible career.
The news was announced by his brother in an emotional post on Facebook.
“For those who haven’t heard, Wayne passed away yesterday peacefully,” he wrote. “Our sisters and family members were there with him. We appreciate all the kind thoughts and memories. He was one of a kind, and we loved him very much, and thank you all.”
Tributes Pour In For Wayne Perkins
“One of the best all around guitarist, who nearly replaced Mick Taylor and played on Bob Marley’s Catch a Fire. Another one joins the bar in heaven,” one person wrote.
“Wayne was one of the greatest guitar players ever,” another person posted.
” Heck of a guy and guitar magician!,” someone commented.
“RIP Mister Wayne Perkins. If you don’t know who he is you should – played guitar on so many songs that I’ve loved in my lifetime,” one person shared
“Wayne Perkins has been a big influence on me ever since Black And Blue hit my turntable. I stole my best licks from his solo in Hand Of Fate. Thanks Wayne you did your job well,” another person said.
Wayne Perkins’ Legacy
Throughout his career, Perkins played alongside Joni Mitchell and Bob Marley, as well as nearly joining the Rolling Stones and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
In 1975, he was recommended by Eric Clapton to replace Mick Taylor in the Rolling Stones, flying out to Munich to meet up with the band. However, the role ultimately went to Ronnie Wood, but Perkins played on a few album tracks with the Rolling Stones.
In his 2010 memoir Life, Rolling Stones’ songwriter Keith Richards revealed that the band “liked Perkins a lot,” but ultimately went with Wood as he was English and “is an English band, although you might not think that now. And we all felt we should retain the nationality of the band at the time.”
Following his short tenure with The Rolling Stones, Perkins was offered the chance to join Lynyrd Skynyrd, but in a 2022 interview with Culture Sonar, he said he turned it down as “something didn’t feel right to me.”
In 1973, Perkins worked alongside Bob Marley and the Wailers on the album Catch a Fire,” playing on songs such as “Concrete Jungle,” “Baby We’ve Got a Date (Rock It Baby),” and “Stir It Up.”
He then got the opportunity to work with Joni Mitchell while she was working on Court and Spark, playing on “Car on a Hill.”
