ONE of Wellington’s best-known musicians, John McGinn, has died after a long illness.

John, who was 73, had been part of the local music scene for more than half a century and was a hugely respected lead guitarist.

He started playing guitar when he was 13 and only a few years later became part of The Avalons, who built up a huge following in the 60s, playing at sell-out gigs across the West Country.

In later years he was a regular with dance band Sapphire and the Everly Brothers tribute act Cleverly Everly and the 60s Tribute Show. His faithful renditions of popular Shadows numbers were always a highlight of the show.

He stopped playing towards the end of last year as his health declined – and yet he never complained about his health.

His daughter Kelly said: “It was a sad day for dad and the local music scene when he had to hang up his guitar. But dad was always positive and he would simply say he was lucky to be given so much time on earth.”

Brothers Clint and Stan Rogers played with John in Cleverly Everly. Stan said: “It is such a sad time. John was a great guitarist and an all round great guy. And he faced his illness with so much dignity.”

For the full story see this week’s Wellington Weekly News.