June 3, 2008 19:05

Smashing Pumpkins frontman adds to Bo Diddley tributes

'He was an American original' says Billy Corgan

Billy Corgan has added to the heartfelt tributes to Bo Diddley, the legendary guitarist who died yesterday (June 2) after suffering heart failure.

The Smashing Pumpkins frontman said that Diddley was "one of the true pioneers of rock and roll, and an underrated songwriter."

Corgan added: "His influence can still be heard everywhere. I just bought an old Bo Diddley 45 at a record shop today before I heard of his passing. He was an American original.”

Corgan joined the likes of Franz Ferdinand, Slash, The Grateful Dead and Albert Hammond Jr in paying tribute to Diddley.

Check out Bo Diddley's greatest video moments on the NME Office Blog now.

For more on Bo Diddley and a biography visit Bo-diddley.com or check out Bo Diddley's Wikipedia entry.

Bo Diddley was inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame in 1987.

--By our Los Angeles staff.
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