Ricky Gardiner, well known for his work with David Bowie and Iggy Pop, has passed away.
Gardiner was born in 1948 in Edinburgh, Scotland, and has always been a self-taught musician.
In 1969, he joined Beggars Opera, his first major rock band, and recorded six albums with the group, which became a cult favorite across Europe.
After playing on Tony Visconti’s solo album “Inventory,” the emerging guitarist was introduced to David Bowie.
On the first part of David Bowie’s “Low” record, Visconti called in Gardiner to play lead guitar.
Gardiner met Iggy Pop while working with David Bowie. Bowie went on tour with Iggy Pop for his album “The Idiot” and carried Gardiner with him as he struggled with sobriety.
Gardiner played guitar and percussion and contributed songwriting to Iggy Pop’s 1977 album “Lust for Life,” which was produced by David Bowie.
Gardiner is credited with developing the three-note riff for “The Passenger,” which David Buckley, Bowie’s biographer, calls “one of the greatest riffs of all time.”
Gardiner ceased travelling when he married Virginia Scott and started a family, despite his fame. With his wife and children, he set up his own private studio and produced meditation music and songs.
When the legendary guitarist was diagnosed with electrosensitivity in 1998, it became more difficult for him to record songs.
When he was in close contact with electrical equipment, his uncommon health issue made him unwell.
Gardiner was able to reorganize his home studio and continue to compose music, recording his own renditions of “The Passenger” and returning to his Beggars Opera work.
His last solo album, “Songs For The Electric,” was released in 2015.
How Did Ricky Gardiner Die?
Gardiner passed away on May 13, 2022, at the age of 73, following a long fight with Parkinson’s disease.
