The rock music community is reflecting on the life and reacting to the death of Ten Years After’s Alvin Lee. Founding Ten Years After member Leo Lyons released a statement yesterday: “I heard only a few hours ago about Alvin passing away. It came as a complete shock to me and I have still not 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 Rocking Alvin.”

Queen guitarist Brian May said on his official website, “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. As a man off-stage, his persona was modest and gentle. On stage – a giant who will be missed greatly.”

Other artists took to Twitter to speak on Lee. Here are just a few examples:

I just heard about Alvin Lee’s passing. He was the 1st badass, super fast lead guitarist I remember hearing as a kid. legend. RIP. iii]; )’

— Slash (@Slash) March 6, 2013

My first concert a long time ago. Sad. Alvin Lee Dead: Ten Years After Frontman Dies From Surgery Complications aol.it/ZgeLeA

— Dee Snider (@deesnider) March 7, 2013

So sad to hear of Alvin Lee’s passing. I vividly remember Ten Years After supporting us back in ’67, when they… fb.me/KfZZSv1r

— The Zombies (@TheZombiesMusic) March 7, 2013

 

– Roberto Boschian, WOMC, Detroit