Marshall Amplification founder Jim Marshall passed away last week, causing an outpouring of love from rockers that used his famous amps. Marshall died at age 88 and was beloved by the rock community. He was known as the ‘Father of Loud.’

Both Styx guitarist Tommy Shaw and bassist Ricky Phillips shared their words of respect about Marshall, individually, as did Slash. Shaw referred to Marshall as a “gift,” while Phillips said that next to Arnold Palmer, the only autograph he wanted was Marshall’s.

Below is Shaw’s statement:

Without Jim Marshall, electric guitars would never have had that powerful, magical sound we all grew up with. What a gift to the world!

Below is Phillips’ comment:

Other than Arnold Palmer, Jim Marshall is the only autograph I remember wanting and getting. He literally took the amplifier game to 11. I was 12 years old when I heard and saw my first Marshall stack. It belonged to Jimi Hendrix. I immediately crossed “I want a new bike” off my wish list. His contribution to Rock Music ranks up there with Les Paul and Leo Fender. Thank you Jim.

Below is Slash’s full statement on Marshall, pointing out that he created the “loudest, most effective and brilliant-sounding” amps and that he treated his customers like family.

I consider myself very fortunate to have known the late Jim Marshall. He was such a fantastic individual.

Not only did he create the loudest, most effective, brilliant-sounding Rock & Roll amplifier ever designed, but he was a caring, hardworking family man who remained true to his integrity to the very end. His work ethic was unequaled and his passion unrivaled.

He took great care of me personally, as one of his loyal fans and Marshall Amp enthusiasts, ever since we first met in the early 90′s.

At that time, he did the unprecedented; he had the first-ever Artist Model Marshall series designed for me when my Marshall amps were destroyed in a Guns N Roses concert riot in St. Louis in 1991. We had been friends ever since.

Jim cared for all his customers like they were his family. He would do whatever it took to make sure an artist was completely satisfied and he made sure his staff did likewise. It was very important to him that Marshall quality and customer care was paramount.

Jim’s passing marks the end of a very loud and colorful era. From Pete Townshend to Kerry King, Marshall Amplifiers have been behind every great Rock & Roll guitarist since the beginning. Marshall Amplification is one of the most enduring, iconic brands of contemporary music history.

This industry will likely never see the likes of Jim again. But his legacy will live on forever.

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