Patrick Campbell Lyons obit

Much-loved guitarist who founded original Nirvana dies as tributes paid

The musician was a founding member of the band, which launched in 1966 and performed until 1971, before reuniting in 1985 – two years ahead of rock group Nirvana forming their own group

 

He was not on the list.

Patrick Campbell Lyons, the guitarist from British 60s psychedelic band Nirvana, has passed away at the age of 82. The musician was a founding member of the band, which launched in 1966 originally as a duo, and performed until 1971, before reuniting in 1985 – two years ahead of Nirvana, the rock version, forming their own group.

Bandmate Keith Smart confirmed the heartbreaking news, posting on Instagram alongside three photographs: "Just heard some very sad news. My dear friend Patrick Campbell Lyons has left us. Been playing guitar with him in Nirvana since 1980. He had been ill the last few years. Blessings to his family and friends, may he rock in peace."

Fans and friends quickly paid their respects, with one commenting: "Man, so many fun times with him." Another wrote: "Saddened to read this Keef. I know how much Patrick meant to you." While a third added: "Sorry for your loss Keith."

Patrick helped to create beloved tracks including singles Tiny Goddess and Pentecost Hotel, along with several albums such as All Of Us and Black Flower.

He went on to release a wealth of material and previously revealed to The Strange Brew that he was afforded "full creative freedom," adding: "After the first couple of recording sessions we abandoned the concept of having a group.

"Which retrospectively probably was a big mistake because if we'd had a proper group I do believe that we'd have been a world famous band very quickly. Instead we took the 40 year road to "cult" status via Seattle and other destinations around the world."

He praised the songs, saying: "The songs have lived on stronger now than they were. A new young band have recorded the 'Rainbow Chaser' backing track.

"It's the first track on their album. They're massive - a band called Rizzle Kicks. They do their own thing on top it's called 'Dreamers'. We don't push it. It just comes. It's the strength of music and word of mouth."

In 1992, the band took legal action against American group Nirvana over the use of their name, eventually settling the dispute out of court. Both bands could continue using the name and issue new recordings without any packaging disclaimers or caveats to distinguish one Nirvana from the other. Music writer Everett True claimed that Cobain's record label paid $100,000 to the original Nirvana to permit Cobain's band continued use of the name.

In a gesture of reconciliation towards Kurt Cobain, Courtney Love and the rest of Nirvana, the original Nirvana later paid homage to the late rock legend by covering "Lithium" on their album Orange and Blue following Cobain's death.