RIP Steve Ripley

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/steve-ripley-the-tractors-dead-775044/
https://www.stwnewspress.com/news/former-stillwater-resident-famed-guitarist-steve-ripley-dies-at/article_0c9f0e02-1058-11e9-a0ea-e3b969b9c4df.html

Former Stillwater resident, famed guitarist Steve Ripley dies at 69

NASHVILLE, Tennesse – Steve Ripley, leader of the country-rock band The Tractors, died peacefully at his home Thursday, in Pawnee, at the age of 69, surrounded by his family. He had been suffering from cancer.

In addition to his work as a recording artist, Ripley was also a songwriter, producer, engineer, studio owner, radio host and inventor of the “stereo guitar” favored by such fellow musicians as Eddie Van Halen, Ry Cooder and Dweezil Zappa.
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Another friendship that emerged from Ripley’s time in California was with legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen, with whom he collaborated on his stereo guitar design and started the company Ripley Guitars. The two forged what became a lifelong friendship and mutual love that lasted until Ripley’s final days.

“For more than 35 years I’ve been fortunate to call Steve Ripley one of my true friends,” says Van Halen. “Steve is many things. Part genius, part musician, part inventor and many other great things, but my favorite thing about Steve is the wonderful, kind, humble human being he is and always will be. I love Steve with all my heart and am proud to know him.”