RIP Alvin Lee

Singer, writer, guitar legend and “Ten Years After” front man Alvin Lee passed suddenly this morning after complications from a routine surgery. He was 68 years old. Alvin managed to stay relevant in an industry of antiquated crap. He was a guitar man admired by guitar men and women and fans the world over. Oddly I just imported his newest (2012) album “Still on The Road to Freedom” last week. Thankfully he left us with about 20 albums worth of music while he heads off to the great gig in the sky. Condolences and respect to fans, friends and family. 

Click here for the Billboard Article.

Click here for the Relix Article.

I’m Going Home (live Woodstock)

http://youtu.be/bW5M5xljdCI

I’d like to Change the World

http://youtu.be/jzrUqAtUcpU

Here’s what other artists have had to say though social networking:

• Ric Lee (Ten Years After drummer): “We are all stunned.  All of us.  I don’t think it’s even sunk in yet as to the reality of his passing.  We are all thinking of his family and friends today, and offer our own condolences.”
• Leo Lyons (Ten Years After bassist): “I heard about Alvin’s passing and it came as a complete shock to me.  I still haven’t taken it in.  I feel very sad.  He was the closest thing I had to a brother.  We had our differences, but we shared so many great experiences together that nothing can take that away.  I will miss him very much.  He was an inspiration for a generation of guitar players.  Keep on rockin’, Alvin!”
• Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath bassist): “Shocked and saddened to hear of Alvin Lee passing, one of the true greats and a major influence on Sabbath. The fastest guitar in the west. He was one of the few people that believed in Sabbath when we started out, and he got us our first major London gig, at theMarquee. A true gentleman and lovely bloke. RIP Alvin.” 
• Bill Ward (Original Black Sabbath drummer): “Thank you, Alvin, for all that you were. For all that you gave. You were one of a kind. Your music rocked with passion, force, excitement; brave in risk, bringing this listener to the point of ‘wowism.’ In short, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Our condolences go to Alvin’s family. Heartfelt sympathy at this time of loss.”
• Slash: “I just heard about Alvin Lee’s passing. He was the 1st badass, super fast lead guitarist I remember hearing as a kid. legend. RIP.” 
• Foghat: “So very sad to hear about the passing of Alvin Lee. Truly one of the great guitarists of our time. Our hearts and thoughts are with his family and friends. You will be missed, Alvin.”
• Joe Bonamassa (Black Country Communion guitarist): “Rest in peace, Alvin Lee... Another hero gone this week... This is becoming too regular... A very sad night.
• Joe Satriani (Chickenfoot guitarist): “Alvin Lee was a big influence on my playing. He was a great musician and a gentleman too. I still have the pick he gave me a few years back... R.I.P. Alvin Lee.”
• Glenn Hughes (Black Country Communion bassist): “RIP Alvin Lee...so very sad to hear of another friend passing...”