Derek Bailey, born in Sheffield in 1930, was a pioneering British guitarist renowned for his groundbreaking work in free improvisation. Emerging from the trad-jazz scene, Bailey's career took a dramatic turn in the 1960s when he shifted his focus to experimental and avant-garde music. His innovative approach to the guitar, which he virtually reinvented, set him apart as one of the most influential and adventurous musicians of his time. Bailey's music was entirely based on improvisation, operating outside any pre-existing idiom, and his performances were always unique and unpredictable. Before his untimely death in 2005, Bailey left an indelible mark on the world of experimental music, inspiring countless musicians with his fearless exploration of sound and technique.