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Alvin Lee
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Key Information
Alvin Lee (born Graham Anthony Barnes; 19 December 1944 – 6 March 2013) was an English guitarist, singer and songwriter, who was best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the blues rock band Ten Years After.
Early life
[edit]Lee was born in Nottingham[1] and attended the Margaret Glen-Bott School in Wollaton. He began playing guitar at the age of 13. In 1960, Lee, along with bassist Leo Lyons, formed the core of the band Ten Years After. He was influenced by his parents' collection of jazz and blues records, but it was the advent of rock and roll that sparked his interest.
Career
[edit]Lee's performance at the Woodstock Festival was captured on film in the documentary of the event, and his 'lightning-fast' playing[2] helped catapult him to stardom.[3] The film brought Lee's music to a worldwide audience, although he later lamented that he missed the lost freedom and spiritual dedication of earlier audiences.[4]
Lee was named "the fastest guitarist in the West" and considered a precursor to shred-style playing that would develop in the 1980s.[5]
Ten Years After had success, releasing ten albums together, but by 1973 Lee was feeling limited by the band's style. Moving to Columbia Records had resulted in a radio hit song, "I'd Love to Change the World" but Lee preferred blues-rock to the pop style the label preferred. He left the group after their second Columbia LP.[6] With American Christian rock pioneer Mylon LeFevre, along with guests George Harrison, Steve Winwood, Ronnie Wood and Mick Fleetwood, he recorded and released On the Road to Freedom, an acclaimed album that was at the forefront of country rock.[6] Also in 1973, he sat in on the Jerry Lee Lewis double album The Session...Recorded in London with Great Artists recorded in London, featuring many other guest stars including Albert Lee, Peter Frampton and Rory Gallagher. A year later, in response to a dare, Lee formed Alvin Lee & Company to play a show at the Rainbow Theatre in London and released it as a double live album, In Flight. Various members of the band continued on with Lee for his next two albums, Pump Iron! and Let It Rock.[6] In late 1975, he played guitar for a couple of tracks on Bo Diddley's The 20th Anniversary of Rock 'n' Roll all-star album. He ended the 1970s with an outfit called Ten Years Later,[6] with Tom Compton on drums and Mick Hawksworth on bass, which released two albums, Rocket Fuel (1978) and Ride On (1979), and toured extensively throughout Europe and the United States.
The 1980s brought another change in Lee's direction, with two albums that were collaborations with Rare Bird's Steve Gould and a tour for which the former John Mayall and Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor joined his band.[6]
Lee's overall musical output includes more than 20 albums, including 1987's Detroit Diesel, 1989's About Time (the reunion album he did with Ten Years After) recorded in Memphis with producer Terry Manning and the back to back 1990s collections of Zoom and Nineteen Ninety-Four (US title I Hear You Rockin').[6] Guest artists on the albums included George Harrison [6] and Jon Lord.
In Tennessee, recorded with Scotty Moore and D. J. Fontana, was released in 2004. Saguitar was released in 2007. Lee's last album, Still on the Road to Freedom, was released in September 2012.
Death
[edit]Lee died in Spain on 6 March 2013, aged 68,[7] due to complications from surgery to correct an atrial arrhythmia.[8] His former bandmates lamented his death. Leo Lyons called him "the closest thing I had to a brother", while Ric Lee (no relation) said "I don't think it's even sunk in yet as to the reality of his passing". Billboard highlighted such landmark performances as "I'm Going Home" from the Woodstock festival and his 1971 hit single "I'd Love to Change the World".[9]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Album | US
Chart [10] |
Year |
|---|---|---|
| Pump Iron! | 131 | 1975 |
| Let It Rock | - | 1978 |
| Rocket Fuel | 115 | 1978 |
| Ride On | 158 | 1979 |
| Free Fall | 198 | 1980 |
| RX5 | - | 1981 |
| Detroit Diesel | 124 | 1986 |
| Zoom | - | 1992 |
| Nineteen Ninety-Four | - | 1994 |
| In Tennessee | - | 2004 |
| Saguitar | - | 2007 |
| Still on the Road to Freedom | - | 2012 |
- Note: Ride On contains one studio side and one live side.
Collaborative album
[edit]| Album | US Chart | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| On the Road to Freedom | 138 | 1973 | with Mylon LeFevre |
Live albums
[edit]| Album | US Chart | Year | Notes | Chrysalis Records |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In Flight | 65 | 1974 | Live at the Rainbow Theatre in 1974 | |
| Live at Rockpalast | - | 1978 | Grugahalle, Essen, Germany, 15 September 1978 | |
| Live In Vienna | - | 1994 | Label: International House Of Hits | |
| The Last Show | - | 2013 | May 28, 2012 - Raalte, Holland |
Singles
[edit]| Single | US Rock | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Detroit Diesel" | 26 | 1986 | Detroit Diesel |
References
[edit]- ^ "Alvin Lee, rock guitarist in the band Ten Years After, dies at 68". BBC News. 6 March 2013.
- ^ "Cricklewood Green – Ten Years After: Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
- ^ Tobler, John (1992). NME Rock 'N' Roll Years (1st ed.). London: Reed International Books Ltd. p. 201. ISBN 0-600-57602-7. CN 5585.
- ^ Woodstock: Three Days That Rocked the World. New York: Sterling Publishing Co. 2009. p. 193. ISBN 978-1-4027-6623-7.
- ^ Pete Brown, HP Newquist (1997). Legends of Rock Guitar: The Essential Reference of Rock's Greatest Guitarists. Milwaukee, WI: Hal Leonard Corp. p. 197. ISBN 0-7935-4042-9.
- ^ a b c d e f g Colin Larkin, ed. (1999). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Heavy Rock (First ed.). Virgin Books. p. 263/4. ISBN 0-7535-0257-7.
- ^ "Guitarist Alvin Lee of Ten Years After dies at 68". CBS News. 6 March 2013.
- ^ Multiple sources:
- "Alvin Lee's Cause Of Death Revealed By Family". Wizbang Pop!. Wizbang Pop. 5 October 2013.
- Rob Power (6 March 2013). "Ten Years After's Alvin Lee dies". MusicRadar.
- Jon Stickler (6 March 2013). "Ten Years After Singer And Guitarist Alvin Lee Dies Aged 68". Stereoboard UK.
- "Alvin Lee von Ten Years After verstorben" (in German). Retrieved 6 March 2013.
- ^ Schneider, Marc. "Alvin Lee of Ten Years After Dead at 68". Billboard. Retrieved 6 March 2013.
- ^ a b c d "Alvin Lee Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved 12 March 2019.
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Alvin Lee (musician).
- Official website
- Alvin Lee at IMDb
- ALVIN LEE & TEN YEARS AFTER
- Paytress, Mark (January 1997). "Ten Years After". Record Collector. No. 221. pp. 84–89.
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
| People | |
Alvin Lee
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life
Childhood and family background
Alvin Lee was born Graham Anthony Barnes on December 19, 1944, in Nottingham, England.[8] He was the son of Sam Barnes, a builder who collected jazz and blues records, and Doris Barnes, both of whom played guitar and fostered a musical household environment.[9][10] Raised in a working-class family in the Wollaton suburb of Nottingham during post-war Britain, Barnes experienced the challenges of rationing, reconstruction, and economic recovery in an industrial city known for its textile and manufacturing heritage. He attended the Margaret Glen-Bott School in Wollaton and left school at age 15 to pursue music.[11] Around the age of 15, Barnes adopted the stage name Alvin Lee as he began pursuing music professionally, marking a shift from his given name.[12]Introduction to music and early influences
Alvin Lee began playing the guitar at the age of 13 in 1957, initially teaching himself through dedicated practice. He acquired his first instrument—a cheap acoustic guitar—that sparked his lifelong passion for music. Largely self-taught, Lee spent hours honing basic techniques, often hiding his guitar under his school desk to practice chord shapes and patterns during classes.[2][11][13] His early musical exposure was shaped by his parents' collection of jazz and blues records, which provided a foundational appreciation for American roots music. Lee's key inspirations came from the burgeoning rock 'n' roll scene, including guitarists like Chuck Berry, whose energetic riffs and showmanship captivated him, and Buddy Holly, whose melodic solos he learned note for note. He also drew from Gene Vincent's raw energy and the British skiffle revival led by Lonnie Donegan, whose accessible style encouraged amateur musicians in post-war Britain. These influences immersed Lee in Nottingham's vibrant local scene, where coffee bars and small venues buzzed with skiffle and early rock enthusiasts experimenting with simple setups.[9][10][14][15] During his teenage years, Lee focused on developing fingerpicking techniques and fundamental blues structures, adapting them to his self-directed style amid the informal jams and listening sessions that defined Nottingham's youth culture. This period laid the groundwork for his rapid playing approach, blending rock 'n' roll flair with blues phrasing, without formal lessons or advanced equipment.[11][16]Career with Ten Years After
Formation and early years
Alvin Lee, born Graham Anthony Barnes on December 19, 1944, in Nottingham, England, began playing guitar at age 13 and formed his first band, the Jaycats, in late 1960 at the age of 15 with school friends, including bassist Leo Lyons.[17] The group, initially focused on rock 'n' roll covers, soon recruited singer Ivan Jay and renamed itself Ivan Jay and the Jaycats, performing locally in the Nottingham area and building a grassroots following through school dances and small venues.[18] By 1962, the band had evolved into the Jaymen and then the Jaycats again, recording informal demos and gaining traction in the emerging British beat scene.[19] Through the mid-1960s, the lineup underwent several changes amid the growing blues revival influence from American artists like Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley, whom Lee idolized.[20] The band, now known as the Jaybirds since 1962, achieved notable success with residencies in Nottingham clubs and trips to Hamburg, Germany, in 1962, where they followed in the footsteps of the Beatles, honing their high-energy live performances in the Reeperbahn club circuit.[2] Drummer Ric Lee joined in 1965 after the departure of previous percussionist Dave Quickmire, solidifying the core rhythm section with bassist Leo Lyons, while keyboardist Chick Churchill came on board shortly after; these additions shifted their sound toward blues-rock.[21] The group briefly became the Blues Trip before relocating to London in 1966. In 1966, Alvin Lee and Leo Lyons rebranded the band as Ten Years After, a name chosen as a tribute to Elvis Presley, marking a decade since his breakthrough year of 1956.[17] This period saw the band establish a strong local reputation through relentless gigging in London pubs and blues clubs, covering Chicago blues standards and original material, though they had yet to secure a major recording deal.[22] Their pre-fame years from 1960 to 1966 were characterized by persistence amid lineup flux and financial struggles, laying the foundation for their blues-infused style that would later propel them to international notice.[19]Woodstock performance and breakthrough
Ten Years After took the stage at the Woodstock Music and Art Fair on August 17, 1969, performing a dynamic set before an estimated audience of over 400,000. The British blues-rock band's hour-long appearance featured high-octane renditions of songs like "Spoonful," "I Can't Keep My Eyes on You," and their closing number, "I'm Going Home," a nearly ten-minute showcase of Alvin Lee's virtuosic, rapid-fire guitar picking that blended blues improvisation with rock energy.[23] The performance was filmed by director Michael Wadleigh's crew, despite technical challenges such as Lee's guitar going out of tune midway through, and it became a highlight of the subsequent 1970 documentary film Woodstock and its soundtrack album.[24] The Woodstock exposure marked a pivotal breakthrough for Ten Years After, transforming them from a niche act rooted in the British blues scene into international stars with mainstream appeal. The film's release in 1970 catapulted "I'm Going Home" to prominence, driving U.S. chart success for the band's albums, including Cricklewood Green reaching No. 14 on the Billboard 200.[5] This surge enabled them to embark on an intensive touring schedule, completing 27 American tours over the next seven years, which solidified their reputation as a live powerhouse but also intensified the pressures of fame.[3] Post-Woodstock momentum facilitated Ten Years After's transition to Chrysalis Records in 1970, their first major label deal that supported expanded production and distribution for albums like Watt.[25] Lee's frenetic stage presence during these high-energy shows earned him the enduring nickname "Captain Speedfingers," reflecting his lightning-fast technique that captivated audiences and defined the band's electrifying image.[3] However, the relentless pace of success exacted a personal toll on Lee, contributing to burnout amid the whirlwind of constant performances.[3]Peak success and disbandment
Following the momentum from their Woodstock appearance, Ten Years After achieved their commercial peak in the early 1970s with a series of successful studio albums that blended blues rock with more accessible song structures. Their 1969 release Ssssh, recorded just before the festival but released shortly after, became their first major U.S. hit, reaching No. 20 on the Billboard 200 and No. 4 on the UK Albums Chart, propelled by Alvin Lee's intricate guitar work on tracks like "Love Like a Man." This was followed by Cricklewood Green in 1970, which peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard 200, featuring Lee's raw, extended improvisations on songs such as "50,000 Miles Beneath My Brain." The band's highest-selling album, A Space in Time (1971), climbed to No. 17 on the Billboard 200 and included their sole Top 40 single, "I'd Love to Change the World," which reached No. 40 and showcased Lee's shift toward introspective songwriting. During this period, Lee's compositions increasingly incorporated social commentary, reflecting the era's concerns with environmental degradation, inequality, and global unrest; for instance, "I'd Love to Change the World" critiques overpopulation, pollution, war, and economic disparity as symptoms of a flawed society, marking a departure from the band's earlier blues-focused material. However, the era's success came at a cost, as Ten Years After maintained an exhaustive touring schedule—which amplified Lee's growing frustration with repetitive setlists and the physical toll of constant travel. This intensity, combined with creative differences over the band's artistic direction, fostered internal tensions, with Lee expressing a desire to explore more varied musical styles beyond their established boogie-blues formula. By 1973, exhaustion from the relentless pace led to the band's initial disbandment, as Lee cited burnout and a need for personal reinvention after seven years of non-stop activity. Their final release before the split, the double live album Recorded Live—capturing performances from European tours earlier that year without overdubs—served as a high-energy swan song, highlighting Lee's blistering guitar solos on staples like "I'm Going Home" and underscoring the group's live prowess amid the mounting strains.Solo career
Initial solo albums and collaborations
Following the disbandment of Ten Years After in 1974, Alvin Lee embarked on a solo career, seeking to explore new musical directions beyond the band's blues-rock framework. His debut solo effort, On the Road to Freedom, released in November 1973 on Columbia Records, was a collaborative album with American gospel singer Mylon LeFevre, blending rock elements with gospel and country influences.[26][27] The project featured guest appearances from prominent musicians, including George Harrison on guitar for the track "So Sad (No Love of My Own)" and Ron Wood on guitar and bass, alongside contributions from Steve Winwood, Mick Fleetwood, and Jim Capaldi.[28] Produced primarily by Lee himself, the album marked his initial foray into more soulful and rhythmic territories, reflecting influences from American R&B and gospel traditions during recording sessions in Memphis and Los Angeles.[28] Lee followed with the live album In Flight (1974), recorded at London's Rainbow Theatre with his backing band Alvin Lee & Co., showcasing his guitar work on original material and covers. In 1975, he released Pump Iron!, his first studio solo album without a co-lead artist, issued on Chrysalis Records after a label shift that facilitated his growing U.S. base of operations.[29][30] This release emphasized boogie-rock and blues-rock styles, characterized by energetic guitar riffs and a heavier, groove-oriented sound compared to his prior work.[31] Notable collaborations included George Harrison and Ron Wood, who contributed to select tracks, underscoring Lee's connections within the rock elite.[32] The album's production highlighted Lee's experimentation with funk and soul undertones, drawing from his relocation to California, where he established a more stable creative environment away from the UK's rock scene.[33] These initial solo ventures faced challenges, including mixed critical reception due to their departure from Ten Years After's high-energy blues template, which some listeners found too eclectic or "adventurous."[27] Sales were modest compared to the band's peak albums, partly attributed to the era's shifting rock landscape and Lee's personal struggles with drug use following years of intense touring stress that contributed to the group's dissolution.[27] By 1974, after emerging from rehabilitation, Lee channeled this recovery into renewed focus, using these projects to redefine his artistry amid the pressures of transitioning to independence.[27]Later projects and reunions
In the 1980s, Alvin Lee continued his solo endeavors with RX5 (1981), a studio album by the Alvin Lee Band featuring rock-oriented tracks, followed by the release of Detroit Diesel in 1986, an album that showcased his matured blues-rock style through a blend of original compositions and covers, including tracks like "Detroit Diesel" and "Heart of Stone," recorded with session musicians such as drummer Alan Rich.[34][35][36] This project reflected Lee's exploration of urban blues influences, drawing from Motown and rockabilly roots while maintaining his signature guitar work.[35] Meanwhile, Ten Years After briefly reunited in 1983 for a performance at the Reading Festival, marking their first joint appearance since disbanding in 1974, which reignited interest in the band's classic lineup.[37] The late 1980s saw further band activity, as Ten Years After reformed in 1988 for a European tour, leading to the studio album About Time in 1989, their first new material in over a decade and featuring the original members Alvin Lee, Leo Lyons, Chick Churchill, and Ric Lee.[37] This reunion effort emphasized Lee's enduring leadership and the group's blues-rock foundation, with tours extending into 1990 to support the release.[38] Solo-wise, Lee entered a quieter period but contributed to reissues and compilations that highlighted his post-Ten Years After evolution.[39] Entering the 1990s, Ten Years After undertook another reunion in 1997, prompted by a major Scandinavian festival tour, where the band performed with the classic lineup and incorporated tracks from About Time alongside Woodstock-era staples.[38] This period also saw Lee release Zoom in 1992, a high-energy solo album blending hard rock and blues, followed by Nineteen Ninety-Four in 1994, a live recording from Vienna that captured his improvisational guitar prowess during European shows.[40] These works demonstrated Lee's continued touring commitment, including festival appearances that bridged his solo identity with band nostalgia.[38] In the 2000s, Lee's output shifted toward acoustic and blues-oriented projects, reflecting a return to his roots with simpler, more introspective arrangements. He released In Tennessee in 2004, recorded in Nashville with Elvis Presley's original sidemen Scotty Moore on guitar and D.J. Fontana on drums, featuring upbeat rockabilly tracks like "Let's Boogie" and a reimagined "I'm Going Home."[41][42] This collaboration underscored Lee's admiration for early rock pioneers and resulted in a 30-date UK tour, culminating in a performance at the Royal Albert Hall.[43] Subsequent releases included Saguitar in 2007, a rockabilly-blues effort largely performed by Lee alone on acoustic guitar, with songs such as "Memphis" and "Motel Blues," and Still on the Road to Freedom in 2012, a collection of 13 original tracks emphasizing acoustic introspection and themes of perseverance.[43][44] These later solo albums highlighted a stylistic pivot from high-speed electric leads to warmer, rootsy expressions, while occasional Ten Years After nods appeared in anthologies like The Anthology (2002) and The Anthology Vol. 2 (2008), compiling live and studio highlights.[43] Lee's final performances maintained this acoustic focus until his death, with the posthumous live album The Last Show (2013) documenting a 2012 concert.[40]Personal life
Family and relationships
Alvin Lee maintained a notably private personal life, shielding his family from the public eye amid his high-profile music career. He was married to Evi Lee, with whom he shared a long-term partnership until his death in 2013.[8][2] The couple resided together in Spain during his later years, enjoying a semi-retired lifestyle that included occasional performances.[7] Lee had one daughter, Jasmin Lee, born in the 1970s to his former partner Suzanne Lee-Barnes.[2] He was also survived by his sisters Irma and Janice.[2] Jasmin, who grew up around recording studios, later became the managing director of Dean Street Studios in London, honoring her father's legacy through music production and artist management.[7] Public details about Jasmin remain limited, reflecting Lee's preference for keeping family matters out of the spotlight, though she has been mentioned in family tributes and statements following his passing.[45] Lee had no other marriages or children. His close bonds with Ten Years After bandmates, particularly bassist Leo Lyons, were often described as brotherly, forming an extended family dynamic that endured through decades of collaboration and occasional reunions.[46] This sense of camaraderie provided personal support, separate from his immediate family, as Lee focused professionally on music while maintaining privacy in his relational life.[47]Later residences and ventures
By the late 1980s, Lee sought a more tranquil existence away from the music industry's demands, relocating to Spain as his full-time home.[27] He settled in the Marbella region of Andalusia, drawn to its mild climate, affordable lifestyle, and cultural vibrancy, which he described as offering good weather, cheap wine, and quality food without the hassles of his native England.[3] This move marked a shift toward rural living, as Lee embraced a country lifestyle outside urban centers, occasionally studying flamenco guitar to explore local traditions.[27] Lee's Spanish base facilitated a balanced routine in his later years, enabling sporadic European tours while prioritizing personal seclusion and recovery from decades of rock touring.[22] He maintained this residence until his death, using it as a retreat for reflection and occasional collaborations.[48]Death
Circumstances of death
Alvin Lee died on March 6, 2013, at the age of 68 in Estepona, Spain, where he had resided for many years.[2][20][45] According to an official family statement posted on Lee's website, he passed away from unforeseen complications following a routine surgical procedure to correct an atrial arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).[2][20][49] The procedure was described as routine, with no indications of suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.[45][50]Immediate aftermath
Alvin Lee's family announced his death on March 6, 2013, via his official website, stating that the 68-year-old musician had unexpectedly passed away earlier that day due to unforeseen complications following a routine surgical procedure in Spain.[20] Tributes from his former Ten Years After bandmates followed swiftly, with drummer Ric Lee expressing shock and describing Alvin as "a star" and "a terrific guitar player and a fabulous onstage performer," while conveying condolences to his family.[51][52] Lee's funeral was a private ceremony held in Spain, where he had resided for many years, and he was subsequently cremated.[53] In the immediate weeks after his passing, preparations began for posthumous releases, including the live album The Last Show, recorded at his final performance on May 28, 2012, in Raalte, Netherlands, and issued on October 1, 2013, by Rainman Records to honor his enduring stage presence.[54] Major music publications quickly published obituaries commemorating Lee's legacy, with Rolling Stone highlighting his blistering Woodstock performance of "I'm Going Home" as a defining moment that propelled Ten Years After to international fame.[49] Similarly, Billboard noted his Woodstock set as a career pinnacle, emphasizing how his rapid-fire guitar work and the band's blues-rock energy captured the festival's spirit and influenced generations of players.[55] On April 7, 2013, a moment of reflection was observed at a concert in Paris' Olympia Hall, where fans and performers worldwide joined in a minute of silence to pay initial respects.[56]Legacy
Influence on music and guitarists
Alvin Lee's innovative approach to blues-rock guitar in the 1960s and 1970s pioneered the integration of rapid speed-picking techniques, blending traditional blues phrasing with high-velocity rock execution that foreshadowed elements of hard rock and heavy metal guitar styles.[57] His "Captain Speedfingers" moniker underscored this signature velocity, which emphasized clean articulation and dynamic phrasing, influencing the evolution of electric guitar performance in rock music.[55] The band's electrifying set at the 1969 Woodstock Festival, particularly Lee's blistering rendition of "I'm Going Home," showcased his blistering fingerwork to a global audience via the subsequent film and soundtrack, propelling Ten Years After to international prominence and establishing Lee as a cornerstone of blues-rock.[58] This performance inspired subsequent generations of guitarists, with Joe Satriani citing Lee as a major influence on his own playing style, noting his technical prowess and personal warmth.[59] Similarly, Gary Moore drew early inspiration from Lee's live shows, as Lee himself recalled Moore watching him perform during his formative years, which shaped Moore's approach to blues-infused rock guitar.[60] Through songs like "I'd Love to Change the World," Lee contributed to the socially conscious strand of rock music prevalent in the early 1970s, articulating themes of global unrest, war frustration, and the desire for positive change amid events like the Vietnam War and Kent State shootings.[61] The track's enduring relevance—evident in its use in films depicting historical turmoil, such as Seven Days in Entebbe and White House Plumbers—has reinforced its role in promoting introspective, reform-oriented lyrics within rock, as reflected in drummer Ric Lee's observations on its timeless commentary on societal issues.[61] As a key figure in the British blues revival of the late 1960s, Lee bridged earlier skiffle traditions with amplified, heavy blues sounds, helping transition the genre from acoustic roots toward electrified rock fusion through Ten Years After's high-energy interpretations of blues standards and originals.[55] This evolution positioned him as a vital link in the movement that revitalized interest in American blues among British audiences and musicians, fostering a transatlantic exchange that amplified the genre's global reach.[57]Recognition and tributes
Alvin Lee garnered significant recognition for his innovative guitar work, particularly through rankings that emphasized his speed and style. In Guitar World's 2015 list of the 50 fastest shred guitarists of all time, Lee was celebrated for his blistering performance of "I'm Going Home" at the 1969 Woodstock Festival, which showcased his rapid-fire technique and solidified his reputation as a blues-rock pioneer.[62] Through his band Ten Years After, Lee has been part of ongoing consideration for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since the group's eligibility in 1993, with fan advocacy highlighting his transformative role in the genre's evolution during the late 1960s and early 1970s.[63] Gibson paid posthumous tribute to Lee's iconic setup by issuing a limited-edition Custom Shop ES-335 '69 Festival model in 2019, faithfully replicating the specifications of his famed "Big Red" guitar used at Woodstock, with production capped at 50 units worldwide to commemorate the festival's 50th anniversary.[64] In the wake of his 2013 death, a prominent tribute concert took place on April 7 at L'Olympia in Paris, where an international lineup including Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, [Robben Ford](/page/Robben Ford), and Tommy Emmanuel performed Lee's compositions and observed a moment of silence, drawing fans from around the world to honor his legacy.[65] Reformed iterations of Ten Years After also staged commemorative shows that year, emphasizing Lee's enduring impact on live blues-rock performance.[56] Lee's influence extended to tributes from fellow musicians, with Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash recalling him as the first "badass, super fast lead guitarist" he encountered, and Queen guitarist Brian May praising him as a "legendary and influential" artist whose playing inspired generations.[56]Musical style and equipment
Guitar playing technique
Alvin Lee's guitar playing was characterized by extraordinary speed and precision, earning him the moniker "the fastest guitarist in the West" during the late 1960s and 1970s. His solos, particularly in live performances like the Woodstock rendition of "I'm Going Home," showcased blistering runs delivered at tempos around 120 bpm for the song overall, with individual licks approaching high velocities through efficient picking motions. This style blended raw energy with blues authenticity, allowing Lee to navigate complex phrases with minimal excess movement.[3][66] At the core of Lee's technique lay a blues foundation, employing pentatonic scales infused with wide rock bends and vibrato for expressive depth. Despite the velocity—often highlighted in critiques as pioneering shred elements—he maintained an economy of motion, focusing on clean articulation rather than showy flourishes. Techniques such as alternate picking and occasional string skipping enabled fluid transitions across the fretboard, as Lee described in a 1975 interview: "I pick the E and I can apply the G flat and the G without another pick, and that's how the notes come in. I do back pick as well." This approach emphasized efficiency, reducing pick strokes to sustain momentum in extended improvisations.[14] Lee's style evolved from his skiffle-influenced beginnings in the early 1960s, where rudimentary fingerstyle and rhythm techniques on acoustic guitars laid the groundwork for his dexterity. By the late 1960s, he adapted these skills to amplified setups, incorporating Marshall stack distortion to amplify his blues-rock sound without relying on effects pedals, prioritizing a direct, raw tone from the amp alone. In later years, particularly from the 1980s onward, Lee revisited acoustic elements in solo projects, stripping back to fingerpicking and unplugged arrangements that echoed his formative roots while showcasing matured control.[67][68]Signature instruments and gear
Alvin Lee's primary instrument throughout much of his career was a 1959 Gibson ES-335 semi-hollowbody electric guitar, affectionately nicknamed "Big Red" for its cherry red finish and extensive sticker adornments. He acquired the guitar in the early 1960s and relied on it heavily from Ten Years After's formation onward, most iconically during their 1969 Woodstock performance of "I'm Going Home," where its bright, resonant tone cut through the mix. The ES-335 featured a modified setup, including a custom Bigsby vibrato tailpiece in its early years, which Lee later replaced with a stop tailpiece for improved tuning stability, along with a middle-position single-coil pickup added for tonal versatility.[69][70][64] For amplification, Lee favored Marshall stacks during the band's peak years in the late 1960s and early 1970s, particularly the 100-watt Super Lead heads paired with 4x12-inch cabinets to achieve his signature high-gain, overdriven blues-rock tone at high volumes. These setups provided the raw power and natural compression essential to his fast-picking style, as seen in live recordings from that era. In later solo work, he occasionally incorporated Fender amplifiers for cleaner tones, though he maintained a preference for British-voiced tube amps overall.[71][72][73] Lee's effects were minimal, emphasizing amp-driven distortion over pedals; he occasionally used a Vox wah-wah pedal for expressive solos, such as on tracks requiring vocal-like sweeps. His string choices were light-gauge Gibson sets—typically .009 to .052 with a tremolo-equipped guitar for easier bends and speed—while he favored medium-thickness picks for balanced attack and control.[73][71][74] As his career evolved into the 1970s and beyond, Lee shifted toward acoustic instruments for solo projects, incorporating Martin dreadnought models like the D-28 for their warm projection on folk-blues recordings. He maintained a long-standing endorsement with Gibson, which led to limited-edition signature ES-335 reproductions of "Big Red" in 2005 and 2019, celebrating his influence on the model's legacy.[75][64][76]Discography
Albums with Ten Years After
Ten Years After's debut album, Ten Years After (1967), released on Deram Records, primarily consisted of blues covers and established the band's early sound rooted in British blues traditions.[77] The band's breakthrough came with the live album Undead (1968), recorded at London's Klooks Kleek club, which captured their energetic performances and included the track "I'm Going Home," later immortalized at Woodstock.[77] Stonedhenge (1969, Deram) explored heavier riffs and experimental arrangements, reflecting the band's evolving hard rock influences.[77] Ssssh (1969, Deram) marked their first collection of original material, blending blues rock with psychedelic elements and peaking at No. 4 on the UK Albums Chart.[78] Cricklewood Green (1970, Deram) featured concise song structures and standout tracks like "50 Years of Hurt," reaching No. 4 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 14 on the US Billboard 200.[77][79] Watt (1970, Deram) delivered raw, high-energy blues rock with extended jams, continuing the band's momentum in the US market where it charted at No. 21 on the Billboard 200 and No. 5 on the UK Albums Chart.[77][80] A Space in Time (1971, Chrysalis), the band's commercial peak, incorporated acoustic elements and pop sensibilities alongside Alvin Lee's signature guitar work; it reached No. 36 on the UK Albums Chart, No. 17 on the US Billboard 200, and earned RIAA Platinum certification for over 1,000,000 units sold.[77][81] Rock & Roll Music to the World (1972, Chrysalis) emphasized straightforward rock anthems and boogie rhythms, peaking at No. 27 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 43 on the US Billboard 200.[77][82] Positive Vibrations (1974, Chrysalis) was the final album before the initial breakup, blending blues rock with reggae influences and reaching No. 81 on the US Billboard 200.[83] About Time (1989, Chrysalis) blended original blues rock with covers, showcasing the enduring chemistry of the core lineup.[77] The limited-release Now (2004) captured a later incarnation of the band, focusing on high-octane live-inspired studio tracks.[77] Subsequent efforts like Evolution (2008) maintained the blues rock foundation while incorporating modern touches, though with limited chart impact.[77]| Album | Year | Label | UK Peak | US Peak (Billboard 200) | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ten Years After | 1967 | Deram | - | - | - |
| Undead (live) | 1968 | Deram | 26 | 115 | - |
| Stonedhenge | 1969 | Deram | 6 | 61 | - |
| Ssssh | 1969 | Deram | 4 | 20 | - |
| Cricklewood Green | 1970 | Deram | 4 | 14 | - |
| Watt | 1970 | Deram | 5 | 21 | - |
| A Space in Time | 1971 | Chrysalis | 36 | 17 | RIAA Platinum |
| Rock & Roll Music to the World | 1972 | Chrysalis | 27 | 43 | - |
| Positive Vibrations | 1974 | Chrysalis | - | 81 | - |
| About Time | 1989 | Chrysalis | - | 120 | - |
| Now | 2004 | Eclectic | - | - | - |
| Evolution | 2008 | Ten Years After | - | - | - |
Solo studio albums
Alvin Lee's solo studio albums marked a departure from his band work, allowing him to explore personal themes of freedom, blues, and rock experimentation with varied collaborators. Beginning in the 1970s after leaving Ten Years After, these recordings often featured guest musicians and reflected his evolving guitar style, blending high-energy blues-rock with introspective elements. Later albums, self-produced under his Rainman label, emphasized raw blues influences and tributes to roots music.[1] His debut solo effort, On the Road to Freedom (1973, Chrysalis), was a collaborative project with American gospel singer Mylon LeFevre, fusing rock with spiritual themes of liberation and redemption; tracks like the title song highlight Lee's fiery guitar leads alongside LeFevre's vocals.[84] Released amid his post-band transition, it showcased a softer, more acoustic side compared to his earlier high-speed playing.[85] Pump Iron! (1975, Chrysalis) returned to harder-edged rock, produced by Lee himself, with muscular riffs driving songs about resilience and personal power; it featured contributions from drummer Ric Grech and bassist Maggie Bell on vocals, underscoring Lee's affinity for British blues traditions.[86] After a period with short-lived bands, Lee resumed pure solo output with RX5 (1981, Atlantic), a high-octane blues-rock set with the Alvin Lee Band lineup, exploring themes of urban grit and velocity through titles like "Trouble in Mind." Detroit Diesel (1986, 21 Records) evoked Motor City blues with raw, engine-revving guitar tones, self-produced by Lee and focusing on straightforward rock anthems; it included horn sections for a fuller sound on tracks addressing life's drives and struggles.[87] In the 1990s, Zoom (1992, Domino Records) brought star power with guests like George Harrison on slide guitar and Jon Lord on keys, blending blues-rock with pop sensibilities and themes of reflection; the title track exemplifies Lee's matured, melodic phrasing.[88] Nineteen Ninety-Four (also known as Nineteenninetyfour, 1993, Blue Martin Records) delivered energetic rockers with blues undercurrents, produced by Lee, highlighting his enduring speed and precision on guitar-driven pieces about time and change.[89] In Tennessee (2004, Fontana) paid homage to Southern roots, featuring Elvis's guitarist Scotty Moore as a key collaborator; recorded in Nashville, it delved into country-blues hybrids with themes of heritage and simplicity, as in the acoustic-tinged "Midnight Creeper."[41] Saguitar (2007, Rainman Records), Lee's first self-released solo album, was an instrumental showcase of blues sagas, emphasizing narrative guitar lines without vocals to spotlight his technical prowess and emotional depth in tracks evoking personal journeys.[90] His final studio album, Still on the Road to Freedom (2012, Rainman Records), revisited the debut's themes nearly four decades later, with guests including Steve Miller and Susan Tedeschi; it combined rock anthems and ballads on enduring quests for liberty, self-produced to maintain an intimate, blues-infused vibe.[44]| Year | Album | Label | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | On the Road to Freedom | Chrysalis | Collaboration with Mylon LeFevre; gospel-rock themes of freedom. |
| 1975 | Pump Iron! | Chrysalis | Self-produced; hard rock with resilience motifs. |
| 1981 | RX5 | Atlantic | Alvin Lee Band; urban blues-rock energy. |
| 1986 | Detroit Diesel | 21 Records | Self-produced; gritty, horn-accented rock. |
| 1992 | Zoom | Domino Records | Guests: George Harrison, Jon Lord; reflective blues-pop. |
| 1993 | Nineteen Ninety-Four | Blue Martin Records | Energetic rock-blues on time and change. |
| 2004 | In Tennessee | Fontana | With Scotty Moore; country-blues roots tribute. |
| 2007 | Saguitar | Rainman Records | Instrumental blues narratives. |
| 2012 | Still on the Road to Freedom | Rainman Records | Guests: Steve Miller, Susan Tedeschi; sequel to 1973 album, liberty themes. |