Many may not remember Alvin Lee, but if you were at Woodstock in '69, you would remember him as one of the fastest guitar players of all time. At least that's the reputation that Woodstock gave him after he appeared there with his band, Ten Years After. Alvin died very unexpectedly and suddenly in Spain after what should have been a routine surgical procedure.
It was during that Woodstock performance that he was given a "signature song". The band decided to play "I'm Going Home", by helicopter. He turned it into an eleven minute, guitar shredding, screaming, lightning fast display that blew the world away.
But to break away from the "just another guitarist playing really fast" stereotype, he released "I'd Love to Change the World". It was a decidedly different song that changed peoples view.
This sad news began as a rumor, and his family later confirmed, on his official website with this comment:
"With great sadness we have to announce that Alvin unexpectedly passed away early this morning after unforeseen complications following a routine surgical procedure. We have lost a wonderful, much loved father and companion, the world has lost a truly great and gifted musician."
-- Jasmin, Evi and Suzanne
RIP Alvin Lee.
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