Guitarist for Johnny Kidd & The Pirates, Mick Green, succumbed at the hospital where he was hospitalized after a kidney problem, on Monday January 11th. Green was a pioneering figure for British rock, having played with such big names as Van Morrison, Bryan Ferry, and Paul McCartney, while he was a huge influence for Pete Townshend of the Who, and Wilco Johnson of Dr.Feelgood. Quite recently, Mick Box, Uriah Heeps guitarist, wrote on his regular column on Classic Rock magazine website about Mick Green: "As a youngster I first saw Mickey Green performing in a theatre in Leytonstone, East London. He had a beautiful Fender Telecaster and an air of confidence that really made an impression on me. Seeing him on stage was when I decided I wanted to be a guitarist myself".