Graeme Naysmith, the guitarist best known for his years in ’90s-era 4AD shoegazers Pale Saints, died on April 4. He was 57. The sad news was shared via his current band, The X-Ray Eyes, who wrote, “We’re devastated to say that our guitarist and friend Jock (Graeme) Naysmith died recently. He was a great guitar player but an even better guy and we’re going to miss him like you wouldn’t believe. He was a much loved husband and father and our thoughts our with all his family.”
As guitarist in Pale Saints, Naysmith was intrinsic to the band’s sound, which split the difference between beauty and noise and was in many ways the bridge between 4AD’s ethereal side (Cocteau Twins, Dif Juz) and louder side (Pixies, Throwing Muses). Their first two albums, 1990’s The Comforts of Madness and 1992’s In Ribbons, are among the best records of 4AD’s original era.
4AD founder Ivo Watts-Russell paid tribute to Naysmith today, writing, “I’ve always been extremely fond of Graeme’s guitar playing. He was one of only a handful of musicians I worked with who wasn’t afraid of a good guitar solo. In tribute I simply recommend digging out, or clicking on some horrible streaming service, ‘Henry’ from Pale Saints’ final album Slow Buildings. When I first heard the sad news, I blew the cobwebs away, shed a few tears of pleasure and sorrow, and felt grateful for the experience. Goes without saying… play it loud! I can only imagine the deep sorrow felt by his ex-bandmates, especially Chris, who obviously knew the man far better than I.”
In the 2010s, Naysmith reunited with Pale Saints drummer Chris Cooper in The Program and released three albums.
Rest in peace, Graeme.
Watch a few classic Pale Saints videos and read a tribute from Lush’s Emma Anderson, below.
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