Bert Jansch, a leading figure of the British folk movement of the 1960's, has died of cancer aged 67. Jansch was a virtuoso guitar player and the list of artists he has influenced is almost endless. Jimmy Page's guitar melody from Black Mountain Side on Led Zepplin I was directly lifted from a Jansch song. Nick Drake, Paul Simon and Neil Young were all directly influenced by his work.

Neil Young said of Jansch's passing: " With deep regret Pegi and I acknowledge the passing of Bert Jansch. Pegi and I were lucky to play with him on all of our shows for the last couple of years. He is a hero of mine, one of my greatest influences. Bert was one of the all-time great acoustic guitarists and singer songwriters. Our sincerest sympathies to his soul mate Loren. We love you Bert."

Jansch performed in Dublin as recently as July, as support to Joanna Newson in Marlay Park, and produced 23 solo albums throughout his career. His last release, 2006's The Black Swan, featured appearances by Beth Orton and Devendta Banhart.