On Friday, April 21st, G1 Reeds announced on social media the sad news that John Elliott passed away on April 20, 2023. John was well known all around the piping world as the owner of G1 Reeds, which he established and grew into one of the premier reed and chanter makers.

•John Elliott. JohnSlavin@designfolk.com/Bagpipe.news

As the news of John’s passing spread last Friday, many, many tributes and photos of John from band mates and friends all over the world were posted on all social media platforms, with everyone sharing how shocked and devastated they were by the news.

John was a member of the Grade 1 Inveraray & District Pipe Band, with the band playing his G1 products, and John won the World Pipe Band Championships twice with Inveraray and District in 2017 and 2019.

•John pictured centre after the announcement of Inveraray’s Grade 1 win at The World Pipe Band Championships in 2019. JohnSlavin@designfolk.com/Bagpipe.news

Finlay MacDonald, Director of Piping at The National Piping Centre passed on condolences on behalf of the Centre and all its staff saying: “In this sad moment after the passing of John Elliott, the piping world must draw together in support of John’s family and friends, and simply be there for them. John was such a well respected and loved member of our community: his personality, musical talents and the quality piping products he developed have made an impact, and he will long be remembered. The thoughts and condolences from the team at The National Piping Centre go to John’s immediate family in their time of need.”

•John pictured eighth from the left with Inveraray & District Pipe Band at the British Pipe Band Championships in Bathgate 2013. JohnSlavin@designfolk.com/Bagpipe.news

•G1 Reeds have said there may be a delay in current orders, but there is a structure in place to continue to grow and develop the G1 brand.