Shetland-Music.com

Shetland's legendary guitarist 'Peerie' Willie Johnson died peacefully on Tuesday 22nd May, 2007, aged 86.

Peerie Willie with Martin Taylor

Willie had been suffering from increasingly poor health over the past few months.

His funeral, held in his home town of Lerwick on Wednesday 31st May, attracted hundreds wishing to pay their last respects to the great man.

The service turned into more of a celebration of Willie's life and music than anything else, with music from long time friends and associates Aly Bain, Violet Tulloch and Brian Gear (who played 'Leaving Lerwick Harbour' and the 'Slockit Light') with pianist Harris Playfair closing the service by playing 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Willie's favourite tune. The tribute to Willie during the service was delivered by Davie Gardner.

Obituaries and tributes to Willie will be added to this page as they become available. In the meantime lets remember the great man the way he was - click here

Obituary to Willie - Courtesy of the Shetland News

Obituary Courtesy of the Independant

Obituary Courtesy of the Scotsman

Obituary Courtesy of the Herald

Obituary Courtesy of Shetland Times