Bob Bogle, one of the two founders of legendary and influential band The Ventures, has died at the age of 75 after suffering from non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
Bogle first met Ventures co-founder Don Wilson in Seattle in 1958, and the two men initially played as a duo, performing at small clubs and parties. They later became a four piece, which went through a number of line up changes over the years. Their instrumental style made their music palatable to a truly international audience, and they developed a huge following around the world, especially in Japan. Major hits included 'Hawaii Five-O' and 'Telstar/The Lonely Bull', and their work is considered to have been pivotal in the development of the surf sound.
The band were inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame in March last year. At the event, John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival, speaking of The Ventures' 1960 hit 'Walk - Don't Run', told the audience: "That song started a whole new movement in rock 'n' roll. The sound of it became 'surf music', and the audacity of it empowered guitarists everywhere".
Bandmate Wilson has paid tribute, saying: "His last four years have not been pleasant at all; it's kind of a blessing he doesn't have to endure that pain anymore. I never had a brother, but he's the brother I never had. But he was much more than a brother to me. He was one of the kindest men I ever met".
Bogle is survived by his wife Yumi, six children, and a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.