Goodbye to Jon Camp, historic bassist of Renaissance

The bassist of the band has died Renaissance Jon Campat the age of 75. Camp, who also sang for the band, most notably as the male vocalist on the long-running “Song Of Scheherazadee” of 1975 (from the album of the same name), as well as occasionally playing the guitar. He was part of the classical formation, which he joined in 1972, together with the singer Annie Haslamto the guitarist Michael Dunfordto the keyboard player John Tout and the drummer Terry Sullivan.

Camp participated in all of Renaissance’s albums, from 1972’s “Prologue” to 1983’s “Time-Line,” as well as being in the lineup of the “Live at Carnegie Hall” (1976) live albums (with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra) and the two volumes “Live at the Royal Albert Hall: King Biscuit Flower Hour”, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 of 1997.

He also featured on Annie Haslam’s 1977 debut album, “Annie In Wonderland.” Also worked with Roy Wood (co-founder of the groups The Move, Electric Light Orchestra) throughout the 70s and early 80s.

Camp also participated in the debut solo album of British melodic rock Robin George“Dangerous Music” and also formed the band Cathedralean amalgam of ’80s pop and progressive rock that also featured John Youngleader of Lifesign. Their only album was released by Angel Air Records in 2017.

John Young paid tribute to Camp, saying: “I’m sorry to hear of JC’s passing. Thoughts are with Jon’s family and friends. We worked together in the 80s in a band called Cathedrale (along with Brett Wilde And Tony Bodene). Those were tough times and I thank Jon for his friendship and affection. He continued to use “our” photo here on Facebook, which I’m very proud of. In the 70s I went to see him play with Renaissance and once even booked the band for a show in Liverpool, so I was a fan and a friend. An immense talent.”