Thiruvananthapuram: Famous guitarist and founder of fusion band ‘kARNATRiix’ John Anthony (62) has died. He died of a cardiac arrest during a rehearsal at his home ‘Manderly’ in Pujappura.

He was noticed by maestros like A R Rahman and Sivamani through the band he founded in Chennai in 1980.

John was the lead guitarist for more than 2,000 movie songs in Malayalam and Tamil and played and taught guitar for over 30 years. Also an environmental activist, he became famous through rock bands.

He was an acclaimed cartoonist too. He lived in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Chennai.

John was part of more than 2,500 music shows around the world. He worked as guitar instructor at Tharangini Studios for many years.

Son of former PSC member Dr EP Anthony and Alice, John is survived by wife Supritha John and only son Siddarth John, who is animation specialist in Hollywood.

Many colleagues from the music world, including K S Chithra, paid tributes.

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