Manny Charlton, founding member and original guitarist of globally successful rock band Nazareth, passed away on July 5 at the age of 80.

Born in Spain in 1941, then relocating with his family to Scotland, Charlton founded Nazareth in 1968 together with bassist Pete Agnew, lead singer Dan McCafferty, and drummer Darrell Sweet. He encouraged the band to write their own songs and enjoyed huge success with them, playing guitar in his unique bluesy style on all albums from debut Nazareth until the 1989 release Snakes ‘N’ Ladders. Hair Of The Dog (1974) which Manny also produced was Nazareth’s most successful album, selling over 2 million copies worldwide, helped by the title track featuring an innovative Charlton riff and the huge global hit single ‘Love Hurts’. After the success of Hair of The Dog, Manny went on to produce another five albums for the band.

Charlton also enjoyed a strong connection with the band ‘Guns N’ Roses, working with them on the pre-production of the now-classic Appetite for Destruction, Welcome To The Jungle, and Paradise City amongst many others. These demos were eventually released as part of the 2018 re-issue of this album.

Following the major Nazareth Snakes ‘N’ Ladders album tour, Charlton left Nazareth. After a lengthy hiatus, he released several successful solo albums, the final one being Solo in 2016.

In 2021, Charlton recorded a new version of the 1976 Nazareth hit ‘Telegram’, to celebrate his 80th birthday.

BMG is home to much of Nazareth's recorded and publishing catalogue.

Manny Charlton will be much missed by all who knew and worked with him.