March 6, 2013 – our official statement
Alvin Lee passed away in Madrid at the age of 68, from unforeseen complications following a routine surgical procedure for atrial arrhythmia. He is survived by his wife Evi, daughter Jasmin, former partner Suzanne (Jasmin’s mother), sisters Irma and Janice and scores of fans around the world.
Artwork by Pieter Kentrop
New York Times – March 7, 2013
Tributes from the Music World
I heard only a few hours ago about Alvin passing away. 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 away. I will miss him very much. He was an inspiration for a generation of guitar players. Keep on rockin’, Alvin!
Leo Lyons
I would like to thank the many people who have sent me messages of sympathy at the sudden and tragic passing of Alvin Lee on 6th March. It was my honour to play bass for him these last ten years. Alvin was a wonderful and unique man. He was totally unaffected by his rock star status and hated all the “star” hype, preferring to be one of the lads in the band. To say he was an amazing guitarist is an understatement. Often his solos would nearly lift me off the stage. I never saw him play a bad show. He always walked off to a standing ovation and encores. He loved his Rock n roll, rockabilly, blues and jazz and I will miss our chats on all things music so much. We were due to play the Olympia in Paris April 7th. This will now be a very difficult day for me indeed. I can’t believe that I will never again be together with Alvin, Evi (Alvin’s wife), Richard Newman (drums) and Steve Rispin (sound), laughing backstage, enjoying each other’s company and making music. My condolences to Alvin’s family at this dreadfully sad time. With love and respect.
Pete Pritchard
I just wanted to say as a lot of you know Alvin lee died on mon, I have played drums for him for the last 10 years and was due to do a gig with him in April. wasn’t sure if it was cool to write this on here but f..ck it.. It’s amazing how you take it for granted that you will c people again treat everybody like its the last time your gonna c them because it could be. Alvin to me was great to work with, kind and respectful and had no big ego what so ever, he knew what the music business was and was having none of it. I’ll miss him, love to all his family, rip Alvin c ya when I get there. That’s that of my chest, love to all. He Was The Real Deal.
Richard Newman
It has taken me a few days to accept that my inspiration has gone. Though I accept it, it does not make it any easier. In the early days he gave me such encouragement with my keyboard playing that he made me a much better player. When I lived in Spain we spent many hours together and Evi cooked some wonderful meals for us. Evi and I have emailed and she is a very brave lady. I send all my heartfelt prayers to Evi, Jasmin and Suzanne. I shall miss a great man.
Chick Churchill
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. Alvin was an incredible performer and guitarist and I had great respect for Alvin as a guitarist and musician. At times, I think probably like all musicians, he could be difficult. In the early days, we did about nine months a year touring all corners of the USA and then about two months a year in the UK and Europe. In those days, record companies expected a minimum of two albums a year so the pressure was always on for Alvin to write tracks for the albums as well as coping with touring pressures too. I think what stands out most of all is Alvin’s ability to execute virtually all styles of music in an expert fashion. Rock, blues, country picking, jazz whatever. He was much, much, more than the stupid moniker the press attached to him as “Captain Speedfingers”. Yes, he could play very quickly if the music demanded it, but he could equally play with great sensitivity in a slow blues or ballad.
Ric Lee
Alvin was probably the best rock‘n’roll guitarist I’ve ever met. It is going to be a great loss to us all. I’ll certainly miss him.
Joe Brown
My career, and the foundations of the entire Chrysalis organisation, started when Alvin and his group, who soon changed their name to Ten Years After, came up to Manchester in 1966 to play in a small student blues club I operated with a friend. I immediately signed them to a management contract, and later they joined both Chrysalis Records and Chrysalis Music. They went on to be an integral part of the British rock and blues invasion of the States, and starred at both the Woodstock festival, and in the subsequent film. For a while in the late 60s and early 70s they were on a par with any group in the world in terms of popularity. He was known as the fastest guitarist in the West, but that belied the fact that he was also one of the most talented, and certainly the most proficient. He was also a great on stage performer. It is really sad we will never see him again. His passing leaves a tremendous void in an era of great British music.”
Chris Wright
Alvin Lee. What a great natural guitar player. Frightened of nothing, just grabbed a guitar and rocked like fuck. Met him in 1961 thereabouts, shared a stage in Nottingham with him and he was on it then. Playing songs, me being a bit snobbish, I never thought any other British muso knew except myself so I was instantly impressed and have been ever since. Always stayed pals even though we were separated by different roles and countries. He did a lot of really good stuff on my albums over the years. ‘Do you wanna run through, Alv?’ I’d say and he’d reply ‘Nah, just sling it down and take it’. What a natural! What a guy! Lotsa love Alvin, it was a pleasure knowing you.
Roger Chapman
Everybody knows he was a great musician and guitarist, but he was a lot more than that to me. He was my brother and friend from the first time I met him in 1970. He was a good man with a good heart. He was an honest man. As far as I knew, he did everything he ever told me he would do. He never lied to me, not one time. He was generous, kind and loyal to our friendship. He was a “Rock Star” and I was just a country boy from Georgia in an opening band. But from the beginning he treated me like an equal. We met when my band opened for Ten Years After on one of their first American tours, after the Woodstock gig. At first, we just hung out after the gigs, got loaded and jammed. Eventually we started to write some songs together. After one of the five tours we did together, we decided while on vacation in Jamaica to lay down some tracks and see where it led us. That was the beginning of, “On The Road To Freedom”. During the 43 years that I knew him, I learned to truly love him like a brother and I will miss him. It was an honour to be his friend.
Mylon LeFevre
Shocked and saddened. 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 the Marquee. A true gentleman and lovely bloke.
Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath)
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.
Bill Ward (Black Sabbath)
Terribly sad to hear of Alvin’s death. Please pass along my regards to his family if you can. We worked together so much in the old days. With sadness.
Glenn Cornick (Jethro Tull)
Dear Alvin, you checked out way too early my friend. I’ll miss the fun we had on mini-motorcycles, you as ‘Awful Knawful’ and our failed attempt to swim back to England from the Bahamas. That was some time ago but we made it through. Above all everyone will remember the fun and the music you made.
Keith Emerson
Alvin Lee a legendary and influential guitarist and very nice bloke. His speed and dexterity, in the days when I would go as a student to the Marquee Club to see Ten Years After, was scary and exciting. He was daring enough to play and sing close to his limit every time.
Brian May (Queen)
I still can’t believe we’ve lost Alvin Lee. My day went into slow motion after I heard this. Been talking to friends about times we all spent together. It’s very sad. He was a wonderful person and an amazing guitar player.
Peter Frampton
My rock and roll hero. I was at a show in the Fillmore East, I yelled out several times for “Spoonful”. Alvin said, “We have a request”. I saw them sixteen times in three states, they got me through so many difficult years. Rock bands will come and rock bands will go, but rock and roll will live on.
Ray Davies (The Kinks)
Rest In Peace Alvin Lee. I loved you very much. You taught me well.
Mick Mars (Motley Crew)
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…
Joe Satriani
He was the first badass, super fast lead guitarist I remember hearing as a kid. legend.
Slash
Rest in peace, Alvin Lee. Another hero gone this week… This is becoming too regular. A very sad night.
Joe Bonamassa
A great guitarist and fine and lovely bloke. Will never forget the laughs we had together in Tel Aviv at an extremely dodgy festival and the eternal drinking in the bar waiting on the gig that never happened.
Fish
Truly one of the great guitarists of our time. Our hearts and thoughts are with his family and friends. You will be missed.
Foghat
So very sad to hear of another friend passing.
Glenn Hughes
Rest In Peace Alvin Lee, one of the greatest guitar players ever. We lost you too soon. Thanks for the music.
Kenny Wayne Shepard
So sad to lose Alvin Lee, one of the first great guitar heroes.
Danny Vaughn (Waysted / Tyketto)
Alvin Lee – Fond Memories Of A Guitar Hero
They called Alvin Lee the fastest guitar player in the West, a true star and a legendary figure in rock. But he was also a warm hearted, down to earth guy, much loved and who will be greatly missed. Alvin loved his rock’n’roll and the blues with a passion. Just 12 years old when he met Big Bill Broonzy, he always said: “The day after my Dad introduced me to Big Bill I swapped my clarinet for a guitar. It was all the inspiration I needed.” Alvin went on to inspire us all with his dynamic playing ever since Ten Years After and beyond. But as well as his musicianship, I’ll also treasure his infectious sense of humour: Remember Alvin stunning the Woodstock Generation with his speedy solo on Tm Goin’ Home? Well I‘ll always think of Alvin speeding through the streets of Paris by night carrying a giant fake advertising ‘egg wed pinched from a pavement café after a gig. We even took it for a ride in a taxi. He was still laughing about it twenty years later… Rock On, Alvin.
Chris Welch
Alvin Lee – Calling Elvis!
When Alvin Lee told me “I joined the Elvis Presley Fan Club just to get a photo of Scotty Moore and his guitar,” it straight away punctured the ‘aloof rock god’ stereotype I’d been expecting. Next came the revelation that he only took one guitar on stage – “Some of these guys go on the road and it’s like a guitar shop.” Clearly this was no ordinary axe hero.. In Tennessee, the 2004 project that had united Alvin with his childhood hero and also Elvis drummer DJ Fontana, brought him back after semi-retirement – and, more importantly, restored his enthusiasm. “The worst thing about playing live is if you play too much and it becomes boring. Once you’re bored with rock’nroll, what the hell is there left in life to do?” Maybe Alvin will get the chance to stand at Elvis’s side and play some heavenly gigs before Scotty gets the call…
Michael Heatley
I first met Alvin in a restaurant called Kapinski’s on the golden mile in Marbella Spain. Chick Churchill had recently joined my band on Key’s. We had finished our first set and retired to the bar where Alvin was sitting with his wife Evi. I had been a big fan of Alvin’s since seeing the film from Woodstock; I decided there and then that I wanted to be a guitarist just like Alvin Lee. To then see the man himself right there in front of me was almost too much to take in. Several meetings after that I was invited to Alvin and Evi’s for sandwiches and tea (not very rock n roll I know) but we went up to Alvin’s studio and sat and jammed for an hour or two. Chick was on the piano, Alvin was on his Big Red and I was playing a rather nice white Stratocaster. I played a little finger tap lick that Alvin quite liked and Chick said “be careful or he might steal it”. I said “if Alvin Lee uses one of my licks then my life is complete” I do miss him so! RIP.
Mama Paula
Alvin’s Last Interview – released in Record Collector magazine April 2013
– click to read entire article –
Obituaries (a selection – UK, USA)
Mojo Magazine (UK) May 2013
Guitar World magazine (USA) June 2013
– click to read full article –
Guitar Player magazine (USA) July 2013
– click to read full article –
April 7, 2013 – Tribute Concert, L’Olympia, Paris, France
It was a glorious, sunny spring day but it was grief and sadness that permeated the Parisian air for the Alvin Lee fans who made their pilgrimage to the American church in the city center. Solemnity soon gave way to joy as Pastor Bruce Morgan guided the small group through a short memorial service celebrating Alvin’s life and the musical talents which he had shared generously with the world. In front of the altar and a single burning candle, Norwegian-based Pieter Kentrop, the fans’ spokesperson, gave a heartfelt and moving tribute to the guitarist who had influenced him profoundly from the first time he had seen him play at Woodstock. Pieter spoke about how Alvin had climbed the ladder to superstardom but was a reluctant star because he wanted to be an equal. Alvin had given meaning to many people’s lives through his music and lyrics, had extraordinary karma and connected with his thousands of fans like one big family. Pieter posed the question, “Why does God take the best ones away? Alvin was too young and had so much more to give. Wherever you are, your music will live on as your legacy.” The American musician, Mylon LeFevre, now a Pastor, had asked for the following words to be spoken: “Alvin was a good man with a good heart. He was honest, creative, intelligent, kind and loyal. He was a rock superstar, it was an honor to be his friend and by the grace of God I will see him in heaven one day.” Pieter ended with a quote from Alvin’s song, ‘Circles’:
I have got what I once dreamed of as a child so long ago
But my life just goes in circles, ‘cause one answer I don’t know
Does it matter what I do, who will hear me if I cry?
Does it matter what I do, does it matter if I die?
At this point, the Church band started warming up for a later performance in this vibrant, bustling, multinational venue and the sounds of drums and guitars transformed the private ceremony into a sound check, perhaps the ultimate irony! If Alvin had not approved at the outset he would now! The laughter from above was almost audible.
The concert at L’Olympia was originally scheduled as ‘Alvin Lee and Johnny Winter’ but because of Alvin’s untimely death on March 6th the promoters billed it as ‘Johnny Winter and Guests’ to be preceded by ‘a moment of silent reflection’ in tribute to the globally acclaimed blues-rock guitarist. Fans around the world were invited to join in this occasion at 7 pm local time in France which marked the start of the show. Preceding this, as the audience filed into the auditorium, ‘I’m Going Home’ was playing at full volume and for a moment it seemed that Alvin was on stage and all that had happened was just a bad dream. The announcement of the period of silence confirmed that Alvin’s family had been consulted and it was agreed the concert should go ahead as he would have wanted everyone to have a good time. The reflection itself was a very spiritual experience and respected reverentially by a full house of over 1500.
Tommy Emmanuel, two-time Grammy nominee and one of Australia’s greatest guitarists opened with a short, 20-minute set highlighting his distinctive finger picking style using all ten fingers. The dazzling instrumentals were interspersed with the song ‘Sixteen Tons’, and the beautiful ballad ‘Angelina’ dedicated to his daughter. Tommy brings light and shade to his playing which is jazz influenced and periodically punctuated by the tapping of rhythms on the body of the guitar. The genius of a musician at the peak of his career merited the rapturous applause from an appreciative audience.
Johnny Gallagher and the Boxtie Band are a high energy, hard rocking Irish outfit, comprising Johnny’s brothers Pauric on keyboards and James on bass with Michael Christie providing the thunderous drumming. Johnny immediately struck up a great rapport with the Olympia crowd whom he wooed with his larger than life personality, encouraging participation through joining in the songs and repeating phrases. Glugging the best part of a bottle of wine, Johnny powered his way through a memorable one-hour performance, the highlight of which was ‘Shake That Tambourine’ a mixture of incendiary guitar solos and anguished, gravelly vocals. He had opened with ‘I’m Going Home’ but not Alvin’s national anthem, rather a boogie which showcased Pauric’s mesmerizing keyboard skills. Johnny has a gift of telling stories in a conversational style whilst correspondingly incorporating a series of crescendos into the song which take the listener on a musical roller coaster. Slow burners such as ‘Peace Of Mind’ were also part of the repertoire but the highlight was an original rendition of ‘Hey Joe’ with its brilliant acoustic guitar introduction. However, rather than burning the guitar, Johnny sang through its sound hole whilst simultaneously playing it at the same time, an outrageous piece of showmanship which summed up his night. Johnny Gallagher enhanced his growing reputation and the audience loved every minute of his sensational contribution to what was a tribute now in full flow.
The Frenchmen, Manu Lanvin and The Devil Blues played in the foyer during the interval and brought their Delta blues and American folk music to a less frenetic location than the main auditorium. The talented and innovative trio played the most authentic blues of the evening within an intimate setting. It was a pity that the majority of the audience would have missed such innovative guitar work, distinctive, passionate vocals and the excellent double bass which Gaby seemingly dances with to the tempo and rhythm set by drummer Jimmy Tantout.
Back to the main stage for the second half and the inimitable multi-instrumentalist Edgar Winter, who stormed through some Texas shuffles with a four-piece band and two singers, although Edgar himself proved to be the best vocalist of the whole evening. He is the consummate performer and clearly got a buzz from being invited to his brother’s gig, staying on for Johnny’s set as an additional band member, as was Robben Ford who made cameo appearances. The American bluesman Johnny Winter burst on the scene in 1969 with his fresh take on classic blues. Unfortunately there was very little evidence of the latter as Johnny blasted his way through old favorites such as ‘Johnny B Goode’, ‘Good Morning Little Schoolgirl’, ’Dust My Broom’ and ‘Boney Maronie.’ The sound was heavily distorted, the guitar solos repetitive and Edgar’s gut-busting saxophone and keyboard playing contributed to a cacophony. Not that Johnny’s legion of fans seemed to mind as they danced and shouted their way through the set. Alvin used to talk about occasions when there were just too many musicians on a stage and this was one of them. To make matters worse, ‘Jumping Jack Flash’ and ‘It’s All Over Now’ sounded like contributions from a second rate Rolling Stones tribute band, far removed from their original brilliance and invention. By contrast, Robben Ford an electric guitarist par excellence contributed tasteful solos which were greeted with standing ovations. The American is a major talent whose associations over the years with Bob Dylan, George Harrison and Miles Davis have contributed to his current status as a significant player on the current blues scene, reflected in his new stunning album, ‘Bringing It Back Home.’
In many respects, this concert had everything possible that was relevant to Alvin Lee which would have guaranteed his approval. The guitar wizardry of Tommy Emmanuel and Robben Ford is where Alvin was at in terms of technicality and innovation: Johnny Gallagher played at 100 miles per hour like a young Alvin Lee: Manu Lanvin provided the Americana of Alvin’s ‘In Tennessee’ period: and Johnny Winter brought some of the nostalgia of Ten Years After’s R&B. However, there will only ever be one Alvin Lee and his absence has left a huge void. He really did change the world through the evolution of his timeless and classic music and he was one of the first popular musicians to promote peace throughout the world.
World pollution, there’s no solution, institution, electrocution
Just black and white, rich or poor, them and us,
We’ll stop the war!
I’d love to change the world but I don’t know what to do,
So I’ll leave it up to you…..And Good Luck
Alvin Lee
As 7th April 2013 was special for the fans, it is the fans who should have the last word.
Pieter Kentrop was born in Holland and lives in Norway:
When I travelled to Paris I was a little nervous and unsure what our mini memorial service at the church would be like. Normally we would not have been granted a memorial service because it was the third Sunday after Palm Sunday and the church schedule was totally full. But after I desperately explained over the phone that we were in Paris for just that day and came from different parts of the world, the church made an exception for us to have a short service for Alvin under the guidance of Pastor Bruce Morgan in his hour break between the main services. For me it was especially important to have a pastor who guided, read and prayed with us, otherwise we would feel lost and not know what to do. The pastor turned out to be a wonderful, understanding and sympathetic representative for the church. Without preparation we went in at 12.30 and the church service for Alvin became a wonderful experience, like going on stage without a sound check. I set a framed picture of Alvin on the altar table. The pastor brought in and lit a big candle representing us and everyone else who loved Alvin and began the ceremony with a long prayer. I did not know that there was time for it but the pastor let me talk about Alvin and let me read from what I had written for that day and what Mylon LeFevre wanted me to read for him, plus a few lines of some of Alvin songs. During the whole service a band was quietly setting up the gear for the next service so we felt that we had a service for Alvin in a musical frame, perfect for the occasion. We had been granted 10 – 15 minutes but it lasted a half hour and it was a worthy service – the best we could give our beloved Alvin Lee. After the service I felt relieved and happy and proud to have been part of the gang to do this for Alvin. In the evening, when I walked into the Olympia and heard ‘Going Home’ over the sound system I got goosebumps and a lump in my throat. I felt both sad and proud. I got tears in my eyes when the last notes of the song disappeared. The packed crowd cheered and applauded and the announcer asked for one minute’s silence to reflect in respect of Alvin. During the actual concert of Johnny Winter I walked out after three songs. It did not matter actually who played there, I was just not in the mood to stay any longer. In the lobby of the Olympia I met lot of fellow fans of Alvin Lee and we talked until I disappeared in to the Paris night air on my way to the hotel after an emotional heavy day.
Scotsman Graeme Armstrong who attended with his teenage daughter, Amy:
The church service in Paris was a great idea given that some of his most loyal European fans were together maybe for the last time. I really had no idea how it would work but with Pieter and the wonderful minister in attendance I shouldn’t have worried. Both made very fitting speeches worthy of the great Alvin Lee and I had yet another tear in my eye as I clung on to my daughter. Very moving indeed.
The concert was always going to be difficult for me knowing that Alvin would not be walking on stage and giving us his unique brand of Rock and Roll. The night started beautifully with the classic ‘I’m Going Home’ bellowing out the speakers as we entered. Huge applause at the end of the song told you the high regard the capacity crowd had for the man and that was confirmed by the impeccable one-minute silence.
I hoped that I could enjoy the concert after that, despite the empty feeling in my stomach and I actually enjoyed quite enjoyed Tommy Emmanuel who is clearly a talented axe man. Johnny Gallagher lifted my and the crowd’s spirit a bit more with a noisy and entertaining set of songs although I found the sound less than clear. I had been looking forward to Johnny Winter never having seen him before, but was sadly disappointed with both the quality of sound and songs. I just wish I had seen him when he was nearer his peak.
Dave Scott is a Contributory Writer for BluesWax
Tributes from fans
I’ve always been an Alvin Lee fan. I was fortunate enough to see him in concert once,
and have always thought I would have another chance one of these days. With Alvin’s passing that opportunity is gone. The one time I saw Alvin Lee in concert was in Morgantown, West Virginia. Well, actually it was a tiny community located on the other side of the river from Morgantown called Westover. Westover had an open air pavilion, set into a hillside, that was curved, not very large, and the bottom rows were about stage elevation. the seats were bench seats and the rows rose up at a very steep angle so you could easily see over the people in front of you and you were very close to the stage, even in the last row, even if off to the side. I have nothing from that concert except the memory. But it remains, to this day, my favorite concert of all time. It was a 3 act performance with Roger McGuin opening, then Alvin, and Steppenwolf closing. Poor Steppenwolf. No one should have to play after Alvin Lee. He blew everyone away and, literally, stole the show. Alvin Lee was great that night. A truly intimate setting. I remember Roger McGuin coming out from behind the stage curtain (or perhaps it was just stage equipment, on the far left hand side of the stage (if looking into the crowd from the stage), in a spot where the center stage performers could not see him. And he was obviously enjoying just watching the crowd get overwhelmed by Alvin Lee. A great memory.
Gary Herrington
I don’t know if it’s an subjective feeling’ but too many Classic Rock legends leave us and go to this great gig in the sky… in my youth I was a rock reporter in a major Israeli daily newspaper and being a member of one of Israel’s pioneering Prog-Bands. In the 70s got to meet and interview many Rock musicians some of them becoming personal friends. In the 80’s I established in Tel Aviv a Jam session club that hosted many of the Bands that came to Tour Israel and even recorded an album with members of Van there Graaf, Guy Evans and Nick Potter. I met Alvin Lee the first time in London, Jon Lord of Deep Purple introduced me to him after a gig in the Hammersmith Odeon. When arriving in Israel with his band Alvin agreed to participate in a jam Session. I’ve put up in a local Rock venue in Tel Aviv with all the leading rock musicians in Israel. Alvin had the time of his life and asked me to join him on Keyboards with his band – Alan Young and Fuzzy Samuels (member of Crosby, Stills & Nash & Young). The next day Alvin had a special request: he wanted to visit the dead sea… I agreed in one condition – that we will take along his red guitar so I can take a photo of it in the lowest place in the world. We drove down the next day and Alvin brought with him a guitar and played a wonderful Blues and named it “The Dead Sea Blues”. Although he had fully booked gigs Alvin said that he can’t resist playing the guitar any moment of the day… he didn’t miss any opportunity to jam with Israel’s local musicians that were taken by his charm and artistic generosity. In our last conversation he described the late Jon Lord as a “True English gentleman”. Well, today’ I can say the same thing about Alvin. Not only was a virtuoso – Alvin a great musician and great human being. On behalf of the older generation of rock musicians in Israel and Israeli rock lovers I can say one thing – we will all miss him – Alvin is going home for the last time.
Adar Avisar
Alvin Lee in my view did the best rock and roll performance of all time with his “I’m Going Home” at Woodstock. He was unbridled, wild, intense, skilled–almost incredible to watch. I’ve lived a while and seen a lot; and Alvin, you rocked it out better than them all (that says a lot). He was all about true rock. You win, Alvin. I hope you have a good place in that great “Milky White Way.” Condolences to his family.
Kay Wheeler
I saw them at the Fillmore. Alvin Lee was one of the best guitarist in the world and he should be respected just like Hendrix and Page.
RIP Alvin. Thanks for the song “I’d Love To Change The World”. You did.
Ten Years After was the real star of Woodstock. Alvin, thanks for showing us all how blues / boogie / rock was really done
Alvin Lee has been my favourite musician and favourite person since the first time I heard him in 1970 on the Woodstock album. The second song I heard by Alvin was Boogie On. That was when I became a huge fan of his. I have been listening to his music everyday since then. That’s over three decades of Alvin Lee. I will miss him a lot. I am so sad that he died!
Fillmore East, I’m still recovering WOW! I’d say RIP, but Alvin is not going to be peacefully plucking a harp – he’s going to rock the joint up there!
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