Last Moments of Ventures’ Don Wilson Before Death

The Ventures’ rhythm guitarist and co-founder Don Wilson died last January 22 due to natural causes in his home in Tacoma, Washington. He was 88 years old, and the only remaining member of the group to survive before his death.

Tim Wilson, Don’s son, confirmed the news via The News Tribune. “Our dad was an amazing rhythm guitar player who touched people all over world with his band, The Ventures,” Tim expressed. “He will have his place in history forever and was much loved and appreciated. He will be missed.”

The Ventures became a standard in the arena of instrumental rock in the 60s and 70s, with “Hawaii Five-O” and “Walk, Don’t Run” becoming instant classics. The band had an estimated 100 million records sold worldwide.

Apart from becoming a titan in the music industry, Wilson had left a lasting impression on some of rock’s greatest artists such as George Harrison, Jimmy Page, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eddie Van Halen, and even Beach Boys Carl Wilson (both not related to one another). The band had received a long-overdue Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction back in 2008. Wilson was the only one present to receive the award on behalf of the members who couldn’t be there.

The video presented below shows us the remaining moments of Don Wilson’s life before his death. You can watch it here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pASMhS46uAE