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Alvin Lee Obituary
A statement posted on Lee's official website said he died Wednesday unexpectedly from complications following a routine surgical procedure. Lee's manager, Ron Rainey, said the guitarist died in Spain.
"We have lost a wonderful, much loved father and companion," said the statement signed by his daughter Jasmin, wife Evi and former companion Suzanne. "The world has lost a truly great and gifted musician."
The Nottingham, England-born Lee founded the band Ten Years After in 1967. The group first toured the U.S. in 1967, but its popularity exploded following Lee's rousing performance of the song "I'm Going Home" at Woodstock in 1969. Lee's epic and electrifying solos on his Gibson guitar for the 11-minute performance were immortalized in the documentary film about the legendary festival.
Ten Years After released ten albums together featuring the group's mix of blues, swing jazz and rock and toured the U.S. 28 times in seven years.
Lee left the band in 1975 to embark on a successful solo career that saw him recording with the likes of George Harrison, Steve Winwood and Mick Fleetwood and experimenting with different styles of country rock, rhythm and blues.
In total, Lee released more than 20 albums over a 45-year career. His most recent, "Still On the Road to Freedom," was released in August 2012 and incorporated a range of styles from rock to blues to jazz to funk.
Rainey said he had developed a great friendship over the past 25 years with his client, who he recalled would "always end our conversations and his emails with 'Keep Rockin' Ron.'
"He was a great musician, writer, producer, performer, and a gentleman, truly one of a kind," Rainey said in an email.
Former Ten Years After bandmate Leo Lyons called Lee "the closet thing" he had to a brother, recalling "so many great experiences" shared together.
"He was an inspiration for a generation of guitar players," Lyons said in an email expressing shock and sadness over Lee's death.
CASSANDRA VINOGRAD,Associated Press
AP writers Mesfin Fekadu in New York and Gregory Katz in London contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Memories and Condolences
for Alvin Lee
326 Entries
Dewey Martin
May 10, 2025
Alvin, you have been a great inspiration to me as a guitarist, thank you and rest easy. RIP
Dewey Martin
Christopher M Blessing
June 14, 2024
RIP,TO THE GREATEST GUITAR PLAYER TO EVER WALK THIS EARTH. I AM A FIRM BELIEVER THAT SOME PEOPLE ARE BORN TO DO CERTAIN THINGS AND ALVIN LEE WAS ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE. HE WAS BORN TO PLAY THE GUITAR. I GO ON A SEARCH FOR MUSIC THAT I HAVEN'T HEARD WEEKLY FROM 10 YEARS AFTER,AND EVERY TIME I DO I FIND SOMETHING BETTER THAN THE WEEK BEFORE. THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER ALVIN LEE PERIOD.
Jay Smith
February 19, 2024
I was born in 1949 and I thought Alvin was absolutely the best . He was ahead of his time and his talent and energy level were incredible. He truly was
"The fastest guitar in the west!" There will never be another Alvin Lee. I was fortunate enough to born in the same erra.
Jewell Walters
December 8, 2023
The world is a colder Linley place without mr lee and his magic guitar
Alan Bassett
November 17, 2021
Alvin has always been one of my favorite musicians. I saw him with Eric Clapton in San Francisco in the mid 70's.
I still listen to his music often. He was truly amazing!
Eric C.
June 29, 2021
A great man and fantastic band-mate.
Alvin was a huge influence on my life and guitar playing, I'm going to miss
him.
My song 'Layla' was a tribute to Alvin, not many people know that.
April 18, 2020
Just got my Ten Years After CD in mail today. SONGS LIKE ALVIN'S WERE MEANT TO BE. Love him.
Sue
April 7, 2020
'I'd love to change the world'
You did!
March 7, 2020
I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of mr Alvin Lee great British entertainer may the God of tender mercies grant him peace
Willy Loon
December 25, 2019
Daar Alvin, daar tour performance in Amsterdam in 74 concerthal.
It'still in my heart! Alvin rest in peace. Thanks for the fantastic music.
Karen Knobelsdorf
November 22, 2019
Amazing dude!
Denal Allen
July 6, 2019
Photographed show in Bangor . back stage shots . A true gentleman Rocker . Manager and staff were polite to us photographers . A hero in the rock world . Thank you Alvin and tya
Craig Pennington
June 22, 2019
One of the most amazing rock bands he founded that I ever enjoyed so much in my life and still listen to his music today. A very sad loss and my condolences to his family.
Buddy Westcott
June 21, 2019
He was the most exciting act at Woodstock. Simply put, the best act. Same age as I.
12String
March 7, 2019
I learned to play guitar listening to "A Space In Time." Thanks for the guitar lessons, all the great music you created and for the life lessons. I've been there too.
Richard Zecca
February 1, 2019
My Air Force buddies and I spent countless hours listening to his Ten Years after live Album Choo Choo Ma Ma will live with us all forever!! Rock on in Heaven Alvin!!!
Doug Noland
November 4, 2018
Saw Alvin and Ten Years After many times in Atlanta. He always put on a high energy show and always gave the fans their moneys worth. His great personality always shone through the lights and everyone felt like he was their best friend. His love of performing was infectious and the fans knew it ! After each show we were worn out ! Truly loved him and his shows. Never missed him. Will miss Alvin but hope to get front row at the Heavenly shows. RIP Alvin.
July 4, 2018
my guitar hero all thru my teens RIP Alvin
Guy [Florida]
Andrew Jepson
May 22, 2018
The best guitarist ever no comparison. I was lucky enough to see you at Joans Beach on Long Island.
Thank you and RIP
David Key
March 6, 2018
Alvin Lee set me on a course for the rest of my life after seeing TYA at Sheffield City Hall UK in the mid 1970's. I was a young impressionable 16 year old, I never looked back. What a band and what a guitarist!
RIP Alvin.
Harry Simpson
March 6, 2017
Godspeed Alvin, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Chris Bush
March 3, 2017
Fastest guitarist I ever saw. I hated to read that Alvin Lee had died. I saw TYA just twice, in San Diego and in El Paso, Texas in the early 1970s. Lee and tya were my favorites. He was just so fast. RIP
DICKEY BOUCHER
November 9, 2016
ALVIN LEE'S PERFORMANCE AT WOODSTOCK ALONE SHOULD PUT HE OR THE BAND IN THE ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME. HE SHOULD ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED WITH ALL THE REST OF THE GREAT GUITARISTS. I SAW HIM PERFORM & CANNOT PUT THE FEELING TO WORDS.
GOD BLESS YOU, ALVIN. I MISS YOU THOUGH YOU DIDN'T KNOW ME.
Steve Merrow
September 5, 2016
It was at Long Beach Arena in 1974 when I had the amazing opportunity to finally see Alvin "fast fingers" Lee, and Ten Years After, in their prime, and before the band had broken up.
He was far more amazing than anyone who had told me about him could ever describe. He had great precision, tone, and was the first one with that quick technique, and blues greatness. I saw him again in 1979 with Ten Years Later, and the last time in the early 1980's. All 3 times that I saw him he had his original "Big Red" Gibson guitar, the one with all the stickers. An really awesome performer, musician, songwriter, and above all, a gentleman at heart. I will miss your great guitar playing and your presence..
God bless you and your family Alvin!
April 21, 2016
Mr. Lee no longer needs to speak in present tense about "going home". My heart's greatest desire is that all who, like myself, grew up in total awe of such a supremely gifted musician as him will please realize the absolute brevity of this life, and make the best choice possible, coming to the God who created this wonderful thing we call music that they might have life.
Jim Martin, Trinity,Tx./Matt.11:28-30, Rom.10:9-13
Dona Johnson
January 6, 2016
My fellow Sagittarius, if only I could have met you in your lifetime. A true blooded rebel thru and thru. See you on the other side my friend ❤
Adam Right
June 17, 2015
Mr Alvin Lee, was and always will be one of the greatest musician who ever lived,he was a very kind loving caring soul,and every time you met him it was like meeting a long lost brother of music love and peice, may his memory and music live on for eternity, God bless and love him and his family and his band mates forever, you helped change the world just a bit more with your music and your presence and love on this earth for the good of humanity for all !
May you be Rocking in Heaven with all the other Greats !
Peace and love to all, them were the days AL.
From
Adam Right
And
Ready chop
Innisfil Ontario Canada
Maria C. Lauridsen
October 26, 2014
Alvin Lee my friend You are always in my Heart My sweet prayers to you your life continue Take cares Loving regards Maria
October 24, 2014
ALVIN LEE....MY ROCK N ROLL GUITAR HERO. SAW HIM PLAY IN HOUSTON AND HOPED HE'D COME BACK MORE OFTEN, THE WORLD HAS LOST THE BEST GUITARIST, EVER.
-THE FARMBEAU-
September 15, 2014
Lamento no haberlo visto en persona, conocerlo. Un genio de genios de la música.
c. perrymen
July 28, 2014
There will never be another like him. I'll miss him in the world and "I'd love to change the world but what else can I do"....
Linda Ludwig
June 24, 2014
I had a lit candle but is gone March 110,2013 Linda and Lacey Ludwig
Scott Preston
March 6, 2014
Heaven done called another blues-stringer back home.
And a grossly underrated one at that. RIP, Alvin Lee.
David Lorenzo
December 16, 2013
As a fan of 10 Years After/Alvin Lee for over 40 years, I am deeply saddened by the loss of the man and his great talent. May his family and friends find some happiness in knowing that he is remembered throughout the work. Rest in Peace Alvin, we miss you.
David Asher
September 26, 2013
In the late 70's I had the privilege of producing a number of ten years after shows at the international amphitheater
In Chicago a real venue of the 70's. Alvin was one of the most genuine good guys during a time when the British Invasion of the us was full of not the nicest kind of people
Alvin was one of the genuine best!! I'll miss his presence on this planet. R.I.P my friend
Mary Pierson
September 14, 2013
I was so saddened when I heard the news, taken far toooo soon, I'd like to send my condolences and sympathy to his family and friends, I do not know if he left behind a wife, or children, but I'm sure there were, such a good hearted, fun loving personally, I'd imagine he had shared his life with someone very special, and
children, I can hope there fathers musical talent was carried on, please take the time to grieve, we all do at our own pace. Best wishes to all, I'm very sorry. Mary Pierson, Phoenix, Az
Robert Moore
August 22, 2013
My bnad Truck was the opening act for Alvin and the band on May 31, 1978 at the Armadillo World Headquarters in Austin, TX. What a show he put on, and what a night we all had. Ever since I heard him on Woodstock album, I was always a fan. We have lost a legend for sure. RIP brother.
john d
June 19, 2013
first saw tya in boston on the rock and roll music to the world tour. it was at the boston music hall and to this day it ranks as one of the finest shows i ever saw. the band was probably at the height of their career and alvin blew everyone away. he will be sorely missed.
June 15, 2013
Love you, Alvin!
Ronnie Lee
June 14, 2013
I first heard Alvin Lee on the TYA Space in Time album. Everything then changed. He was one of the very best.
Raoul Looker
June 12, 2013
Good too have been a friend of yours when we were at junior & senior schools.Knew you were something special then.Catch yer later mate.
Monte Armstrong
June 3, 2013
Thank you Alvin you brought so much richness to my inner being and so much joy to my heart. How you could play so fast to those slow blues was so delicious!! Thank you is all I can say
Monte Armstrong
June 3, 2013
When I was 14 I went to Hollywood to se see Woodstock at the cinema dome. The happening was relevant and I appreciated the significance of it. But nothing moved me and made my foot start tapping like ten years after with that phenomenal rendition of Going home. He will forever live in my soul as long as I can hear and replay his music. The undead album is in my mind one of the great masterpieces of the time.
Sheila Fitzgerald
May 22, 2013
Eternal Flame shines forever.
Sheila Fitzgerald
May 22, 2013
Late but still feeling Both Losses that day.
Lost my mom that day too. Blows my
mind they died same day. John Hembrow
gonna send you something in mail
hope your address is still the same. Alvin really inspired me & still does.
May 17, 2013
May the god of comfort be a source of strength for your family at this difficult time. 2Corn 1:3, 4. Deepest Sympathy, Sue, Concord, NC
Ron Wardrup
May 3, 2013
Still haven't quite come to terms with the loss of my all time favorite guitarist/singer/songwriter. The musical world is infinitely smaller with his passing.
Bill
April 13, 2013
The roots of Ten Years After are burried 50,000 miles beneath my brain! While I'm not old enough to have seen them in their glory days, as a student of guitar limits, Alvin Lee was simply the best bar none!
Take note all you youngsters, real guitar slaying is with the frets not on the pick!
April 7, 2013
ALVIN, YOU DID CHANGE THE WORLD & YOU STARTED IN WOODSTOCK. A LOYAL FAN.
Bob Madej
April 4, 2013
The first time I saw Alvin and TYA was in Chicago in 1972 at the Arie Crown Theater on the "Rock and Roll Music to the World" tour. It was the greatest concert I ever saw. They played two shows in one night. I was at the second show.
Alvin blew us all away.
When it comes to rock and roll Alvin delivered the product.
God bless you Alvin. I hope to see you again.
Euan Barrowman
March 26, 2013
Another rock great dies.Never missed a TYA concert when they were in town in the 1970,s and loved the music as he kept rockin through the decades.Great guitarist he will be missed.
Diane B.
March 23, 2013
Alvin's the only one who could kick out the baddest "Goin' Home" that brought even the most insensible to their feet! He will be truly missed.
tim kueppers
March 22, 2013
I had the honor of seeing Alvin 4 times... first was the Aragon in about 1980... of all places 'the Cubby Bear'.... about 1994/95. Back to back shows at House of Blues 1999.... all those shows are tops on my list. For some people it was Hendrix, others it was Page or Eddie.... for me it is Alvin by FAR. Keep on rockin my old friend.
Aldo Matulich
March 22, 2013
I saw TYA in the at the Filmore east in NYC just months before Woodstock, own all of their Albums, and got a tremendous kick out seeing Alvin & Co. in 1998 at the original Woodstock site (Masgurs' Farm) for Woodstock Revival Concert. Loved Alvin Lee, loved Ten Years After. In 1998, my now 30 year old son, loved seeing him too and enjoyed being in the Mosh pit during their gig on stage. Said it was "the best day of his life"...May Godd Bless You Alvin Lee...RIP. Unfortunately, now perhaps the rock and roll world will realize what a tremendous Talent Alvin was. He should receive the full accolades his deserves, even if it is Posthumously.
March 21, 2013
rip alvin the master. alway remenber fillmore east shows in 1970
randy steinmetz
March 19, 2013
i used to go see him play anywhere i could 20 25 times to learn those lighting licks i feel like ive lost my best freind thanks mr. lee u are and always will be the best r.i.p.
March 19, 2013
Echo my pals words- it was always sold out and his performsnces- artists like Alvin Lee are once in a lifetime. Prayers for him and his family. Mark Pittsburgh Pa
March 19, 2013
I saw Alvin many times in Pittsburgh- at the Civic Arena, Stanley Theater, Syria Mosque, Station Square- over last forty years- he always ripped it up and you just knew you were n the presence of one of the greatest guitarist-vocalist-songwriters in the history of rock ' N ' roll. A truly great man who will never be forgotten; thankfully the music lives on . My condolences to his wife and children. Pat Monahan
randy steinmetz
March 19, 2013
alvin one and only the best ive played his songs for 40 years never be anyone close to him on guitar thanks alvin u are still the man! randy steinmetz mt. pleasnt texas
jimmy mckenna
March 18, 2013
,,,My condolences to the Lee family , we lost a great guitarist , and a wonderful human being . Convention Prevention is my all time favorite song ,,I was blessed to see TYA in 1974 , Chicago , God Bless
George Petrukovich
March 18, 2013
you are missed Alvin R.I.P. chicago is singing the Bluest Blues for you god blees your family
Craig Hultgren
March 18, 2013
Alvin's music played a key role in my youth. He was my favorite guitar player. I continued to buy his CDs and really enjoyed how his music and guitar style matured as he got older. I was very shocked and saddened when I learned of his untimely death. He seemed to have alot more music left in his tank. I want to express my condolences to his family and close friends and to tell you how much his music meant to me. RIP Alvin. Your music lives on.
Leslie Stone
March 18, 2013
Remembering Ten Years After as one of the influential bands in my youth. Our condolences to Alvin's frinds and family - but know that his music has a permanent influence and gift to posterity. He will live on in our hearts.
Rick Noelcke
March 17, 2013
Alvin was an awesome guitar player and Who could ever forget that Woodstock performance and walking off the staqge with a whole watermelon slung on his shoulder. I still enjoy Cricklewood Green, Shhhhh, and Stonehenge to this very day. Ten Years After will always rock on. The world will miss Alvin. Live in peace, rest in Peace.
Glenn McCarthy
March 17, 2013
Thank you, Rest in Peace.Your going Home.
Thomas Sibold
March 16, 2013
Dear Alvin
Vielen Dank für deine schönen songs
I still love to change the world
Debi Bundtzen
March 16, 2013
My heart is broken I saw Alvin at the Boston music hall listening 2 Ssssh through tears right now 1 of the best albums of all time RIP u will b missed more than words can say
Owen Wightman
March 16, 2013
You will always be a legend in my heart. Your guitar was your canvas. What beautiful masterpieces you created... I saw you play so many times, and all I could ever say is wow! RIP. Rock n' Roll forever!
Deborah Mentzel
March 16, 2013
Alvin's light will always shine! We will see him in Eternity through Christ Jesus, our Lord and Saviour.
Leslie Adkins
March 16, 2013
my heart is broken to hear of this sad news. An absolutely amazing artist.
bob and cher woods
March 16, 2013
Sorry to hear such sad news. Rest in peace, brother.
Candy Kalicki
March 16, 2013
Alvin, You live forever, in our hearts.
Sean Lucan
March 15, 2013
You Did Change The World, Alvin! Thank You For The Great Music and Memories!! Will Never Forget Your Woodstock Perfomance....And The Watermelon!!! ROCK ON AND REST IN PEACE!!
Rodney Mathers
March 15, 2013
I'd love to change the world..... Thanks for the beautiful memories. Rock on my brother.
J. Kerlin
March 15, 2013
Thanks for all the great memories and music. I will never forget Woodstock...
James J. Marlowe II, Esq.
March 15, 2013
You were amazing. Simply amazing. Forever Woodstock!
D Grande
March 14, 2013
We lost a grest guitarest.Heaven is rock and rolling now.
Rick Abbey
March 14, 2013
Alvin,You went home to early. I'm sure you are playing in front of a very big crowd in heaven. God Bless
David Skiba
March 14, 2013
May you rest in peace Alvin, and may God comfort your family for their terrible loss. Was so fortunate to see Alvin in Frankfurt Germany in 1972 and 1973. Greatest guitarist ever.
Erica Broadway
March 14, 2013
It is comforting to know that Jesus, the Ruler of God's Kingdom, is called the “Prince of Peace,” and he will ensure that “to peace there will be no end.”—Isaiah 9:6, 7.
March 14, 2013
so sorry for your loss,the Bible tell us that God is opening his and satisfying the desire of every living thing......
J B
March 14, 2013
You will live on through the ages as a result of your art. Your music will always provoke memories of happy times for me and those of us who were lucky enough to see you perform in person.
Vaya con dios
Reposar en paz
Andrew DeRose
March 14, 2013
What can you say except he will be missed and his music will live forever.
don gillispie
March 14, 2013
Alvin lee wow so so sad R.I.P dude let the music flow in heaven I for one will miss your genius???? :(:(:(:(:(:(
Bob B
March 13, 2013
I just bought Alvin's latest CD and it was wonderful. I heard Ten Years After on FM radio in the seventies and went right out a bought my first guitar. I can't express how sad the news of his passing was to me. He was my music hero. Goodbye Alvin.
Jill
March 13, 2013
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2.
Sheila F
March 13, 2013
Never had the chance to see Alvin play live. My hopes to do so are gone now. However Alvin holds a very special place in my heart and will live on there forever. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Alan (Fuzz) Grimm
March 13, 2013
Saw him at the Miami Jai alai in the early '70s. What a talent ! Had all his early album too. R.I.P. Alvin.
JW B
March 13, 2013
What great memories you and your music provoke for me and my generation. Because of this....you and your music will live forever.
Rest in peace sir
B & B
March 13, 2013
He may be "Goin' Home " but his music will remain forever in our hearts and souls...
ivan roker
March 13, 2013
Dear Alvin. Thank you for your unforgetable songs, which are an important part of our life. Peace be with you.....
Corinne Soldano
March 13, 2013
Now your a legend among legends in rock and roll heaven
See you soon
Rip
March 12, 2013
Loosing a friend and family member at times can be unbearable. Please be encouraged by reading John 6:28,29.
Steve Noto
March 12, 2013
Going home R.I.P Great music thanks
Al Brokos
March 12, 2013
Condolences to all of Alvin's family and many friends. Saw TYA twice in the 70's at the Baltimore Civic Center -- Man, he ROCKED!!! A Space in Time, Cricklewood Green, so much timeless music and great memories. Those strings will never be silent! Welcome Home Alvin!
Chris Coley
March 12, 2013
We've lost what I consider to be the best guitarist on the planet. Got to see Alvin @ Duke University in 1971. Have all his albums. Ssssh & Watt are my favorites. Alvin will be truly missed. RIP in Alvin. We love you.
Scott K
March 12, 2013
The world has really lost someone special. I've got The Bluest Blues
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