Kate Bush’s guitarist Ian Bairnson has died aged 69 after a “long and difficult” battle with dementia

April 9, 2023

Kate Bush’s guitarist Ian Bairnson has died aged 69 after a long and “challenging” battle with dementia.

Kate Bush’s guitarist Ian Bairnson has died aged 69 after a long and “challenging” battle with dementia

The musician, who was also part of The Alan Parsons Project and appeared in Kate’s 1978 classic Wuthering Heights, died on Friday (4/7/23), his devastated wife revealed in an online post.

Leila Bairnson – who would have been married to Ian for 24 years this May – said on Instagram alongside a picture of her putting her arm around Ian: “It is with deep sadness and regret that I inform you that my loving husband Ian Bairnson has passed away on Friday April 7th.

“Ian was the sweetest, kindest and most loving husband I could ever wish for and I take comfort in the fact that he now rests up there in his very own piece ‘Blue Blue Sky’.

“Although Ian has left us, his musical legacy remains with us and will forever delight and brighten our lives like his.”

Thank you to the doctors who took care of her husband: “I would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Frimley Park Hospital, the managers and carers at Lynwood Care Home and our families and close friends for the love and support they have given us throughout brought years of Ian’s long battle with dementia to this challenge.”

Born in the town of Lerwick in Shetland, Scotland, Ian was part of the Alan Parsons Project between 1975 and 1990.

The guitarist stopped performing in 2018 after it was revealed he had been diagnosed with a “progressive neurological disorder”.

A statement posted on his Facebook page read: “Me and Ian’s family would like to draw your attention to the fact that some time ago he was diagnosed with a progressive neurological condition which is affecting his communication skills.

“As a result, he will no longer perform in public, but still plays the guitar and piano every day for his own pleasure.

“We would like to thank you for your continued support over the years and to assure you that he is otherwise very healthy and well cared for.”

Ian and Leila married two years after they met and the couple appear to have no children but have often shared pictures online with their pets, dog Dolly and cat Poppy.