Claude Nobs, Montreux Jazz Festival founder, dies

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Claude Nobs, who founded the world-renowned Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, has died after a skiing accident.

The 76-year-old suffered a fall while practising cross-country skiing during the Christmas holidays.

He had been in hospital but passed away on 10 January, a statement on the festival's website said.

The festival, which takes place on the shores of Lake Geneva, has featured the likes of Miles Davis and Santana.

"For all of us, who were fortunate enough to cross your path, you will always remain the one who questioned certainties," the statement said.

Organisers had previously said that Nobs' accident would not impact this year's event, which runs 5 - 20 July.

"We carry, and will continue to carry on in your spirit, everything you taught us," Thursday's statement added.

The festival was co-founded by Nobs and Atlantic Records president Nesuhi Ertegun in 1967, who booked Charles Lloyd and Keith Jarrett as the first headliners.

Nobs even earned himself a mention as "funky Claude" who rescues children in Deep Purple's 1973 song Smoke On The Water.

The song is about a fire that burned down the Montreux Casino, where the festival was held, during a Frank Zappa concert in 1971.

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This reminds me of when Ahmet Ertegun had his accident and then died days later. RIP Claude. Thanks for managing to book Marvin and Aretha on your shows too...

Mr. Nobs, RIP.

Thinking out loud was Mr. Nobs wearing a helmet?

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[Edited 1/10/13 18:10pm]

That makes me really sad. May he RIP.

From the interviews I saw with him he seemed to be a very humble and sweet person and a true music lover, who was respected as such by the artists he worked with. I wish there were more people like him in the music industy who were really passionate about music and not about making quick money.

Terrible. He seemed to be a very nice and interesting person. RIP.

RIP

Very sad news. I've been lucky enough to attend Montreux Jazz a few times and Claude Nobs always made a point of announcing every act himself on stage. After every show he showered the first few rows with Swiss chocolate. He was a very generous man and will be much missed.

silly old sod! what was he thinking, popping skis on at 76? bless his heart, at least he knew how to have fun. he was a cool old dude. RIP mr nobs x

excited said:

silly old sod! what was he thinking, popping skis on at 76? bless his heart, at least he knew how to have fun. he was a cool old dude. RIP mr nobs x

True. RIP again Claude...

So that was him that introduce Marvin at his Montreux show.

Some Montreux Jazz Festival performances from the past...



...Tony Williams Lifetime




...Weather Report




...Tower of Power




...Ray Charles




...Miles Davis




...Nina Simone




...Marvin Gaye




...Isaac Hayes




...Soft Machine w/Allan Holdsworth




...Oscar Peterson




...Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown




...Herbie Hancock




...Mandrill




Music for adventurous listeners

tA

Tribal Records