Rock and roll experienced a significant loss today with the passing of Alvin Lee, the lead guitarist of Ten Years After. The tragedy occurred this morning when complications arose from a routine medical procedure. Listening to a 1991 reunion show below, most would think that Lee was an American blues musician but he in fact originates from Nottingham, England, where he started playing with the Jaybirds in the early 1960's.
The band eventually morphed into what we know today as Ten Years After. In 1969, the band came to the US and was one of the first non-jazz bands to play the Newport Jazz Festival. That year they also played at the inaugural Woodstock Music Festival. In 1973, Lee started a solo career and continued to release new music even as recently as last year.
Rest in peace Alvin Lee.
Source: Rolling Stone