IN MEMORY OF JON CAMP

In his role as Renaissance's bassist from 1972 to 1985, Jon Camp left his mark on some of the band's most celebrated works, including Prologue, Scheherazade And Other Stories and A Song For All Seasons, which contained their hit single Northern Lights. He also accompanied singer Annie Haslam on her early solo career as well as Roy Wood and, more recently, appeared on albums by Band Of Rain and John Holden. We pay tribute to the musician, who recently died.

- Jerry Ewing

Jon Camp, best known as the bass player for symphonic progressive rockers Renaissance, died on J December 13, 2024, aged 75. He joined Renaissance in 1972, when he replaced the late John Wetton, himself in a run of short-lived bassists that played with the band as they morphed from their original Keith and Jane Relf-led incarnation to the line-up that recorded many of their best-known and loved albums. That run also included Animals bassist Danny McCulloch and early Supertramp bassist Frank Farrell.

Camp first appeared on Renaissance's third album, 1972's Prologue, which also featured Haslam, drummer Terry Sullivan and keyboard player John Tout, and was still in the band, alongside Haslam and guitarist Michael Dunford, for 1983's more mainstream Time-Line release.

"It is with great sadness that Jon Camp, our incomparable bass player, has passed away," said Haslam of her former bandmate.

"Jon played a huge role in the band with his unique, powerful yet emotional bass playing, occasional acoustic guitar parts, singing and, of course, songwriting. Terry Sullivan and I had a long conversation, both of us stunned by the news. We talked about the early days in the band, the fun we had together, but more importantly creating unique, dramatic and the most beautiful music one could ever wish for. Then we had all the excitement of touring, especially performing at Carnegie Hall and then at the Royal Albert Hall with all our parents having their own 'boxes', our hit single Northern Lights! "Many priceless memories with Jon. His favourite song was Ashes Are Burning. Amazing bass solo! Jon, we will see you again somewhere out there and make more heavenly music.