Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry is the latest musician to praise the influence of Les Paul in the wake of the late innovator's death from pneumonia yesterday.

A statement from Perry, who like so many others, was a player of the Les Paul, read:

"As a guitarist and a fan of music in general, I know the amazing contributions Les Paul made in his lifetime to the art of making music. I think if the general public knew how much of that influence is heard every day in the music that they listen to, they would be amazed.

"He was a true genius. The few times that I had met him, he made me feel like I had known him forever. He was always sharp, ready to rock and he was always talking about his next gig. Knowing that he is not walking the earth anymore is sad and I have lost a friend. But every time I pick up a guitar I'll know that his spirit is alive and well right next to me."

Perry's tribute follows those of other notable Les Paul players such as Slash, The Edge and Tom Morello.

(by Andrew Almond)