British folk icon Wizz Jones has died, age 86: “One of the great pioneers of UK folk blues guitar” 

Wizz Jones, an icon in the British folk scene, has died aged 86.

The musician was an integral part of UK folk music for the past 60 years, and news of his passing was shared yesterday (April 27) by his son, Simeon.

Writing on Facebook, Simeon confirmed that his father had been in poor health recently and had died peacefully in hospital, just two days after celebrating his 86th birthday. “His loss has left a huge hole in the lives of our family and has robbed the music world of one of its precious treasures,” Simeon shared. “His health declined rapidly this year and we thank Trinity Hospice for making his last few days as comfortable as possible.”

The musician rose to notoriety as a forward-thinking acoustic guitarist and key name in London’s folk scene. His debut solo album arrived in 1969, and he took the moniker of ‘Wizz’ after his mother gave him the nickname – inspired by Beano character Wizzy the Wuz (via Clash).

His trademark sound stemmed from inspiration from American acts including Woody Guthrie and Beat Generation, and he had a rich output of music across his six decades in the industry – both as a solo artist and collaborating with other talent. He toured consistently throughout his life, and played his final show on February this year, at the Ivy House in London.

Speaking about the gig in the online tribute, his son shared that Wizz was “always a humble man” and that his closing words at the final gig were: “Thanks to all the people – all over the world in fact – that heard my songs and my guitar playing, and came to my gigs for all those years. Thank you very much.”

Simeon continued: “Wizz was worried about disappointing the audience with his now weak singing voice, but even more worried about letting them down by not showing up… I hope his wonderful music will live on and continue to make the world a richer place. Thank you for all the love you’ve given him through the years.”

Following news of his passing, fans and fellow artists have come forward to pay their respects to the musician. “So sad to hear Wizz Jones has died, two days after his 86th birthday. One of the great pioneers of UK folk blues guitar along with Bert Jansch, John Renbourn and Davey Graham,” one wrote.

Another shared: “I knew Wizz personally and hired him to play an Allen Ginsberg celebration event in London last year. What a wonder human and fabulous guitarist/singer,” while a third added that he was “one of the most influential acoustic guitarists that Britain ever produced”.

Find more tributes below.

So sad to hear Wizz Jones has died, 2 days after his 86th birthday. One of the great pioneers of UK folk blues guitar along with Bert Jansch, John Renbourn and Davey Graham, he was gigging until very recently. pic.twitter.com/HCX40urKEL

— Stuart Penney (@StuartPenney1) April 27, 2025

I knew Wizz personally and hired him play an Allen Ginsberg celebration event in London last year. What a wonder human and fabulous guitarist/singer

— Pat Thomas (@PatThomas1964) April 28, 2025

Greatly saddened to learn from Jerry Gilbert of the death of Wizz Jones on 27 April 2025. One of the most influential acoustic guitarists that Britain ever produced. He showed Keith Richards the path.

Thanking of the family and evenings at the Half Moon in Putney. https://t.co/1OUSotJUve pic.twitter.com/qisI0d1uQM

— Ken Hunt (@KenHunt01) April 28, 2025

1/3 Guitarist, singer, songwriter and former St Ives beatnik #WizzJones was born Raymond Ronald Jones in Thornton Heath, Surrey on 25 April 1939. Indisputably one of Britain’s most influential acoustic folk-blues guitarists. pic.twitter.com/YiS2MVhlMt

— Ken Hunt (@KenHunt01) April 25, 2019

R.I.P Wizz Jones pic.twitter.com/gjjeTYMy5A

— Samuel Nilsson (@SHockey2001) April 27, 2025

R.I.P Wizz you were one of the best mate

— bert (@hipacrocapig) April 27, 2025

One of Wizz Jones’ most popular tracks is the soothing folk ballad ‘When I Leave Berlin’, as well as tracks called ‘One Grain Of Sand’ and ‘Buckets Of Rain’.

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