The Bluest Blues that he recorded at George Harrison's studio with the great late George must be one of the greatest songs and solo's by both gentlemen, absolute classic!
No thank you sir this is what keeps us millennials from being ignorant of this wonderful music. I love to listen to people tell stories. Always so much knowledge to be learned by listening to folks who have already been there and done that. Thank you sir.
I can't explain how a hunky plunk from Jacksonville Florida, got the chance to be Alvins guitar roadie for his 1980 and 81 US tour. I had the most fun, and was in awe of him every day. Taking care of his 335 was a dream come true. Getting to also work with Mick Taylor as well, how could it be any better. He gave me so many memories and such a short time, that I will cherish until the end. Thanks you so much for letting the world know what a gem he was on and off stage. Sincerely The Florida Plowhand
@@gdavisist That is a cool thing to happen for you. Do you have any idea when I saw Alvin in Albuquerque NM?..lol I was thinking it was maybe in the mid or late 70's, but maybe it was in the early 80's? I am getting fuzzy on my facts and numbers..lol. As I posted below, I did get to see him in Albuquerque, without TYA, it was a small venue (I think). I can't remember where. I didn't think it was the Civic Auditorium, and I have no memory of a place called Graham Central station. I see those to places listed on some sites. I was thinking I saw BB king on the same small stage on the same night. But that might be my fuzzy brain. They didn't play together, I was just thinking it was the same night. But on the internet I can't find that BB and Alvin ever played the same venue. Google seems to have a worse memory than I do when it comes to the 70's and early 80's. It drives me crazy not knowing exactly where and when I saw him in AlbQ. I can remember it was a great show, and I can still see him in my minds eye tapping with his drumstick. I also remember it wasn't a loud show, it was more subdued... You never went to Albuquerque NM did you by any chance?
The heroes are leaving us.I lived in a depressive city in Bosnia and guys like Alvin were bringing the light into my grayness.They were opening new,hard to imagine worlds for me.The music critics were referring to him as "the fastest guitar player of the West".Rest in peace,sir,you lived an amazing life.
hearing Alvin Lee play on the Woodstock album in 1970 totally blew away my 11-year-old brain. I went out and bought three more TYA albums and he was by far my favorite guitarist of the era. He is missed
my generation loved him. seen in 78 called the 10 years later concert at Calderone hall in Hempstead, N.Y. was 10 years after they started around 68, the concert was the best i saw and seen many in New york
I just posted a video of guitar clips back to back of Clapton, SRV, Van Halen, and Alvin Lee, which shows how Alvin's ear for sounds sets him apart, I think.
Not arguing, he was 1 of the handful from that era, then just stopped hearing his name. That said, I'd have to say along with A.L., both Johnny Winter and Frank Zappa absolutely don't get the recognition with the General Public that they should either.
I saw him and Ten Years After at Madison Garden in late 60s or early 70s . Was one of my favorite concerts of all time. I didn't realize until I thought of all the concerts I have been to. Most of them as time has passed were unremarkable. Whereas Alvin and the band were remarkable. Thank you for the video.
Rolling Stone magazine top guitarists. Joan Jett? What the fuck. No Alvin, No Gallagher. The only thing that magazine is good for is using when you run out of toilet paper.
1st saw Alvin n 1967 at a Skating Rink on south Broadway n Denver,co. Same tour w/the grease band, steve Marriott, Savoy brown. What a lasting impression. Next time was TYA at Red Rocks under a blanket of tear gas Police used 2 dispel gate crashers? That show's volume showed just how far P.A. systems and amplification had become. And Alvin's expertise with his 335 razor. Recently listened 2 Stonedhenge and was amazed by his creations and musical arranging. Miss U. Keep his SPIRIT thriving! Thanx 4 da video. PEACE
Alvin Was my Favorite Showman/Artist/guitarist. I bought my first Tya Album at 13 yrs old and stuck with being a loyal intense fan of his and tya's out of sheer love , respect,loyalty and enjoyment to hear and watch. Alvin wasnt stuck up like so many other famous people and thats why he was number one in my book and always will be..
Thank you Tim for this awesome tribute. Your gifts and talent to the world are remarkable and personally your contribution to On The Road To Freedom and In Flight are a huge part of me and forever part of me (and all of us) You are loved and appreciated good sir.
From Australia, what giant of a band , Alvin Lee, Leo Lyons , Ric Lee , Chick Churchill, thanks for the great memories with your unbelievable talents , Peace from down under
This was the best eulogy ever. Thanks for all those memories that only you could share Tim. What a great guitarist Alvin (is) because of all the recordings. He will always be playing and influencing generations of players to come. And yo hear the fact that Scott Moore was one that influenced Alvin,( by the way I've heard many plsy Thats All Right Moma) Alvin hook up to Scotty's sound more than any. So glad you put this out, it is a great tribute from a great friend. Thanks for the love
Alvin was one of my favorites. If I could instantly become a great guitar player, it would be him that I would want to channel. RIP sir. Thank you for your gift of music.
Just can't hear enough of these tunes and stories. Amazing group, talent on loan from beyond our planet. Thank you so much for bringing some sunshine to a very sad loss. Keep them coming.
Wonderful eulogy and wonderful to hear stories about Alvin anytime. I am 72 years old and first saw TYA at the Fillmore Auditorium on their first US tour in 1968-51 years ago. The part about George Harrison was awesome. The more I learn about Alvin the better.
Alvin Lee there are really no words to describe his importance.honest,real,passion,heart and soul i know im late to the show.and this is another sad realization that nothing last forever Mr Alvine Lee RIP.
Thank you so much Mister Hinkley for this great testimony. What a great musician you must be having had the privilege to play with Alvin Lee and been his friends. I am sure you must have plenty of stories to tell us about your friendship with him. I started listening TYA when I was ten years old at the end of the sixties and was a big huge fan. The solo album “On the road to freedom” with M. Lefebvre was a great album but my favorite is definitely “In flight” that I have listened and played a million of times (bass guitar player). In the eighties I switched to some other kinds of music but returned to Alvin Lee ‘style in 2000. I bought all of his albums since then because I knew I would never be disappointed. Still today, at my office, you can find some musics in which you play with Alvin in my playlist that my patients have to listen while I am treating them. Most of them don’t know these musics but seem to enjoy them quite well ( “So sad”, “Carry my load”. “ I’m writing you a letter”, “Motel blues”,”Midnight Creeper” etc.). I can only thank you more than a million of times for the great job you have done and the wonderful music both of you have brought to our ears. Be blessed as much as him. Stay in good health.
Ahhh Yes, We Love Alvin Lee...we (the group of guys my older brother hung out with) would blast Alvin Lee Recorded Live 1973 album... Love the Change the World Album and Cricklewood Green is Excellent, for me, as well.
Wonderful eulogy. Have been an Alvin/TYA fan "groupie" since the first tie they played the Fillmore West, June 28, 1968. Loved the comments at 14:45 minutes regarding George Harrison. Alvin was just 2 years older than me-23 years old i was 21 when we saw them the first time.
I saw Alvin and Ten Years After several times. Filmore West, Winterland, Stockton Polo Grounds. Memorial Auditorium . Some the best an purest rock shows I've ever seen. Broke my heart when he died. He taught me how to play guitar by imitating him."I'll never sell my guitar, Cause that would, Lordy that would be a sin."
I've only just discovered this but am very touched by your sadness as you remember your close friend Alvin. It was a huge loss when he died so young. He never received the critical praise that he deserved but countless fans worshipped him. It would be nice to see a comprehensive retrospective release that does full justice to his career and recordings. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and memories.
Glad I stumbled across this tribute to the wonderfully energetic and talented Alvin Lee. I was pleased to hear the inside scoop on Mylon LeFevre. Now that is another guy who needs to be expounded on.
I came across this just after sending the Bluest Blues vid to my daughter in the hospital as a pick me up, and gotta say tnx for the ride thru those years and later. I was in Boulder during those early Ten Years After years and Alvin had many many fans there and then. Great history lesson, tnx again. Rich
Dear Tim, Thank you for putting this gem up on TH-cam about the late and great Alvin Lee. It is always interesting to hear the stories or 'back stories' about someone, especially from a person who knew them well such as you did with Alvin. Coincidentally, I come from Mansfield in Nottinghamshire and grew up knowing that the guitarist in Ten Years After who played at the Woodstock festival came from Nottingham. I had the chance to meet Alvin back stage at Manchester Apollo in Manchester when he was part of 'The Night of Guitars' tour in the '80s. He was so open and friendly. He even posed for a photo with me and friends without any super star ego that others are prone to often in the music business. A note about the concert: many of the guitarists in the show - Leslie West, Randy California, Pete Haycock, Robby Krieger, Steve Howe, et. al. - commented about "keeping up with Alvin" on the shows! Alvin's performance was stellar. Wishing you all the very best, Ty.
Leslie West came down to Alvin’s place after that tour (I went to the Hammersmith Odeon gig). Wow those two together trading licks…unfortunately I don’t think amy of it got recorded. Leslie gave Alvin one of those Steinberger guitars…funny odd guitar with no body and no headstock but it had a ‘gear’ change on it so you could actually change the tuning of the guitar. Alvin loved it…he was not averse to using modern innovations. His prowess in programming the Akai MPC60 drum machine was wonderful to experience, playing chords with his left hand on the guitar and punching in drum fills with his right!
@@madkeysfilms Yes, I would have liked to have gone to more of those shows; they were really on form when we saw them playing trading licks and having fun. I think the Wishbone Ash guitar players were pert of the gig at Manchester too, and, Pete Haycock, he was super on the night. Fancy it not getting recorded! I know of those guitar as one of my bass players had a bass from them. Modern instruments. Outside the stage door Leslie threw a stink bomb outside and posed for photos and laughed and joked with us. Alvin was the same. They were so laid back and open and liked hanging out with us too. After the gig we waited outside the stage door at the back of Manchester Apollo and a friend shouted over to me and pointed to the man leaning up against the wall next to me. It was Robbie Krieger from The Doors. He was open and very friendly. Steve Howe wanted none of it and speedily walk away from the fans who wanted to meet their musical heroes. Funny you mention Alvin's 'prowess in programming' the Akai MPC60 drum machine. I bet he was a fast thinker when working with him and passionate with it too. Do you still record in your studio?
Alvin Lee was the most underrated British guitar player of all. I bought Ten Years After's 1st LP, self titled. His version of Spoonful just blew Clapton's version out of the water. Of the really huge British guitarists, Page, Clapton, and to a lesser degree Jeff Beck, Page was doing acoustic since the latter days of the Yardbirds, Beck does whatever his brilliant guitar mind and fingers feels like. Clapton got a lot of undeserved recognition for bringing acoustic guitar back to the forefront of guitar( it never left) playing with his slowed down pop version of Layla and his sappy Tears in Heaven The closest of the three in style to Alvin was Clapton, a guy who hasn't learned a new guitar lick in at least 40 years. In 1967 Alvin ran rings around him. Clapton wasn't worthy of changing Alvin's guitar strings. Well, I said Alvin was the most underrated British guitar player. Reckon I made it pretty clear who I feel is the most overrated one. But I loved Alvin's playing very much. And his cherry red Gibson ES 335 with the peace symbol decal, Big Red. For me the highlight of the movie Woodstock was Alvin and TYA's I'm Going Home. Easily. RIP, Alvin. You're very much missed and will not be forgotten.
This was so great ,a fitting tribute.I worked on the same bill with Alvin in Pittsburgh PA. ,we where scheduled on different days,so missed meeting him. You sounded really great on those albums,kind of astonished to hear it was mostly you and him.Really grooves well. Got a tribute to Alvin on my channel.Nawenko:wa ( Great Thanks) Tim
Thx a lot for sharing. These earlier times then were fascinating. We were listening to your music, tr ying to copy your style and at the same time develping our own style. We just were some miles away from you, across the north see, you were like our „older brothers“. We apreciated the blues and rock music and the special generation feeling of that aera. Sad, the young guys today don t have such experiences. Anyway, the music and that special aera stays forever. Keep on bluesing!
I discovered your tribute film whilst surfing You Tube Tim. As a lifelong fan of Alvin's music, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, memories and love with the world.
"I'd love to save the world". That song saved a little tiny part of me. I loved it and wore it out on the vinyl lp that I owned. Thanks for this video.
seeing Alvin play on TV was absofuckinloutley mind blowing for my peanut at the time i wish i could have known him because he is part of the reason my life became such a beautiful pile of shit to this point in time. of coarse i did have a small bit to do with it. i connected with something thru seeing him and will forever be in his debt watching him play was the first time i saw a musician really bear his soul.yea. mr Lee set the bar way high. where there are no more numbers on the dial.
Thanks so much for this fun insight into Alvin. Back in 1981. I bought front row tickets to Eric Clapton because I was told Alvin Lee was playing guitar with him on this particular tour, only to find out it was Albert Lee. It is amazing that two guys with just a couple letters separating their names are two of my favorite guitar players, and I would never have known much Albert Lee had I not tried to see Alvin Lee supposedly playing with Eric Clapton. Your eulogy illustrated how interconnected the world of top musicians really is. This has been saved to my TH-cam account. Blessings to you!
Nice and respectfully presented. Alvin was just great...the touch and feeling for me is Motel Blues...but there are many. RIP Alvin...and thanks for your time making the video
The first time I heard Alvin was at woodstock. There was a ton of talent there . But there were just some bands that shown like a star. Ten Years After was one of the stars.
Thanks this was great.Alvin was my guitar hero.Saw TYA in 75 ,16 row in Houston coliseum and ten years later again in the coliseum,II was Ist in line for tickets.i got ist row in front of his mic.Stood the entire show at his feet.Best part was after a long solo,Hobbit I think ,they went into a long drum solo and Alvin put down big red and laid on the stage on his back next to the drummer and smoked a cigarette.We were exactly eye level and he looked at me smiled and looked at my date who was pretty,and he looked back at me and gave me a thumbs up.It was so freaking cool.
I got to see TYA back in the late 60's, early 70's, back in NY. Once was at Stony Brook University, once at a converted bowling alley into a concert hall, and once at Madison Square Garden. As a side note, at MSG the opening act was the first NY appearance of that little old band from Texas, ZZ Top. Those were the days.
Hey Tim Hinkley, thanks for that little talk. I saw Alvin Lee in New England a long time ago, and he was on the same bill with Frank Zappa. What a night. I’m still not over it.
Only got to see Alvin & Ten Years After once but it was so fantastic it still feels like yesterday, I had fantastic seats and R&R Music To The World had just been released .
Alvin is the reason I picked up a guitar, he was a huge influence on me, I met him once after a concert in Houston in 69, very brief but very special to me. A genuinely nice guy. I was just a kid(16) and he could've just blown me off but he didn't, I'll never forget it. I didn't even think to get a photo or an autograph. Miss him dearly.
I finally got to see Alvin, in Albuquerque NM USA, sometime in the mid 70's. It was a small venue and I got to sit right in front of Alvin. I am so glad I got to experience him in the flesh. So close. I miss him too. His music of course will and should live forever. It is up to us to make sure people hear him. Thank you for this Eulogy. I am sorry for your loss. Our loss.
I'm sorry for your loss; as a friend, it must be extremely hard to carry on. Thank you for writing w/Alvin. The music helped me get through some tough times, great work. I was shocked too when I heard the news. It helps to imagine he found peace. I hope you can release some new pieces. --Do you know why Joe Bonamassa played Alvin's guitar for a Royal Albert Hall performance? Geez, what a rip, what horror! Joe's okay, but he's NOT Alvin. I can't imagine why his family would let anyone get a hold of his guitar. It should stay forever silent w/out Alvin, encased in acrylic, to be seen & not touched. All those personalized stickers make it instantly identifiable, a precious time piece, and fragile. I guess they sold it. sad/sad/sad
I should imagine that he was playing it in honour of Alvin - I suspect that Alvin would have been pleased....Joe always seems to have the utmost respect for the greats who came before him...
@@geoffwright2845 Thank you, I'm sure you're right. Like, I want to leave my sports car to someone who will drive it and take care of it. It was built to go for a run.
After seeing the movie Woodstock my friend and I double dated to go see Ten Years After at the Anaheim Convention Center. That place was huge and sold out. That concert was about 1970. I've spent many hours listening to Alvin over the years. He was at least one of the top ten guitarists of all time.
Always loved him..snuck out to see Woodstock movie when it came out..was in Manila at the time...10 yrs old..Alvin and The Who blew me away...such a soulful player!💝
Saw Alvin lee 2x. The guy was a fucking monster! One of the most underrated guitarists ever.mon oh man that cat could play.when I hear some of the music that's out today I get sad thinking about TYA. They were awesome.Alvin you were something ,go easy bro
beautiful tribute,,,his music has been a life long friend for me, from the time my aunt introduced me to rock at a family reunion when she gave me the Woodstock album to listen to, which changed my life completely at age 12, through my college years, desert years, Army years,, raiding kids, ...its been one of my touch points. This is such a touching and compelling tribute to his fearless embrace of life, and his offering to the universe....he really did Change the World. The "In Flight" album was especially interesting, as I love that album, and almost never seem it referenced. It really showed how broad and deep his skills went. I marvelled then at how tight that band was and well blended for such a diverse musical line-up. what a nice and fitting tribute, take good care, thank you so much for the effort :)
What a great video. Me and all my friends from the late 60's and early 70's loved Ten Years After. So interesting to hear what their life was like on the inside of the circle.
Wow, thank you so much for this Tim. Love all your work with Alvin. Any chance of getting that brilliant instrumental at the beginning and end of the video released?
The Bluest Blues that he recorded at George Harrison's studio with the great late George must be one of the greatest songs and solo's by both gentlemen, absolute classic!
The best of the best.
Actually it was recorded at Alvin’s studio.
Oh ok, thank you,much appreciated.
agreed
The guy was a master of the guitar, I am now 72 years old and I still play and listen to Alvin..
You’re now 73
I want to thank everybody who has complimented me on this eulogy. Alvin was my friend and I miss him but the=music lives on.
Tim, I still play my album Alvin Lee RX5 brilliant, absolutely brilliant. I miss Alvin too. Cheers ! From a fan across the pond in Utah. ✌ 🍻
No thank you sir this is what keeps us millennials from being ignorant of this wonderful music. I love to listen to people tell stories. Always so much knowledge to be learned by listening to folks who have already been there and done that. Thank you sir.
Thank you. I am 70 years old now, and Alvin's music still makes me smile. He was astonishing. Still is.
I can't explain how a hunky plunk from Jacksonville Florida, got the chance to be Alvins guitar roadie for his 1980 and 81 US tour. I had the most fun, and was in awe of him every day. Taking care of his 335 was a dream come true. Getting to also work with Mick Taylor as well, how could it be any better. He gave me so many memories and such a short time, that I will cherish until the end. Thanks you so much for letting the world know what a gem he was on and off stage. Sincerely The Florida Plowhand
@@gdavisist That is a cool thing to happen for you. Do you have any idea when I saw Alvin in Albuquerque NM?..lol I was thinking it was maybe in the mid or late 70's, but maybe it was in the early 80's? I am getting fuzzy on my facts and numbers..lol. As I posted below, I did get to see him in Albuquerque, without TYA, it was a small venue (I think). I can't remember where. I didn't think it was the Civic Auditorium, and I have no memory of a place called Graham Central station. I see those to places listed on some sites. I was thinking I saw BB king on the same small stage on the same night. But that might be my fuzzy brain. They didn't play together, I was just thinking it was the same night. But on the internet I can't find that BB and Alvin ever played the same venue. Google seems to have a worse memory than I do when it comes to the 70's and early 80's. It drives me crazy not knowing exactly where and when I saw him in AlbQ. I can remember it was a great show, and I can still see him in my minds eye tapping with his drumstick. I also remember it wasn't a loud show, it was more subdued... You never went to Albuquerque NM did you by any chance?
The heroes are leaving us.I lived in a depressive city in Bosnia and guys like Alvin were bringing the light into my grayness.They were opening new,hard to imagine worlds for me.The music critics were referring to him as "the fastest guitar player of the West".Rest in peace,sir,you lived an amazing life.
One of the best guitar players and STILL not in the Rock 'n Roll HOF. An absolute insult and disgrace.
hearing Alvin Lee play on the Woodstock album in 1970 totally blew away my 11-year-old brain. I went out and bought three more TYA albums and he was by far my favorite guitarist of the era. He is missed
I was there in 69! Alvin lives on 50 years after Woodstock!
Same here
Most underrated guitarist in music history.
Absolutely agree with you
Wrong Best ever
my generation loved him. seen in 78 called the 10 years later concert at Calderone hall in Hempstead, N.Y. was 10 years after they started around 68, the concert was the best i saw and seen many in New york
I just posted a video of guitar clips back to back of Clapton, SRV, Van Halen, and Alvin Lee, which shows how Alvin's ear for sounds sets him apart, I think.
Not arguing, he was 1 of the handful from that era, then just stopped hearing his name. That said, I'd have to say along with A.L., both Johnny Winter and Frank Zappa absolutely don't get the recognition with the General Public that they should either.
Thank you so much for this. Discovering Ssssh in 1969 changed my life and I’ve never stopped listening to Alvin Lee since.
What a beautiful tribute to my favorite guitarist. Loved Alvin's tapestry pants and clogs. Saw him in 1971 amazing!!
Love his technique in his guitar playing. Alvin Lee is underrated but so glad he showed his talent at Woodstock☮️🤩
Alvin is one of my all time favs. Completely under rated and under appreciated. Man he could bring it.
I saw him and Ten Years After at Madison Garden in late 60s or early 70s . Was one of my favorite concerts of all time. I didn't realize until I thought of all the concerts I have been to. Most of them as time has passed were unremarkable. Whereas Alvin and the band were remarkable. Thank you for the video.
"That Cat can play". Jimi Hendrix on Alvin Lee. Very very under rated Guitarist in history. Broke my heart Rolling Stone never honored him.
Rollingstone are meaningless - nobody takes them seriously
Rolling Stone can suck an egg. They are not the ultimate judges.
Rolling Stone don't know music.
Hari. Rolling stone got lost in pride and arrogance like so many reviewers do when rhey get a name.
Rolling Stone magazine top guitarists. Joan Jett? What the fuck. No Alvin, No Gallagher. The only thing that magazine is good for is using when you run out of toilet paper.
1st saw Alvin n 1967 at a Skating Rink on south Broadway n Denver,co. Same tour w/the grease band, steve Marriott, Savoy brown. What a lasting impression. Next time was TYA at Red Rocks under a blanket of tear gas Police used 2 dispel gate crashers? That show's volume showed just how far P.A. systems and amplification had become. And Alvin's expertise with his 335 razor. Recently listened 2 Stonedhenge and was amazed by his creations and musical arranging. Miss U. Keep his SPIRIT thriving! Thanx 4 da video. PEACE
Thank You so much, Tim for this documentary about a man who was such an inspiration and influence for so many of us! ☮❤☮
Alvin Was my Favorite Showman/Artist/guitarist. I bought my first Tya Album at 13 yrs old and stuck with being a loyal intense fan of his and tya's out of sheer love , respect,loyalty and enjoyment to hear and watch.
Alvin wasnt stuck up like so many other famous people and thats why he was number one in my book and always will be..
I believe I bought cricklewood green the first I bought TYA..
Alvin Lee was more then just a guitar player he was a guitar Hero to a lot of us.
Thanks so much Tim for this touching moments lived with Alvin, and keep those lovely tracks like a precious stone. Alvin's music will never die.
Thank you Tim for this awesome tribute. Your gifts and talent to the world are remarkable and personally your contribution to On The Road To Freedom and In Flight are a huge part of me and forever part of me (and all of us) You are loved and appreciated good sir.
From Australia, what giant of a band , Alvin Lee, Leo Lyons , Ric Lee , Chick Churchill, thanks for the great memories with your unbelievable talents , Peace from down under
This was the best eulogy ever. Thanks for all those memories that only you could share Tim. What a great guitarist Alvin (is) because of all the recordings. He will always be playing and influencing generations of players to come. And yo hear the fact that Scott Moore was one that influenced Alvin,( by the way I've heard many plsy Thats All Right Moma) Alvin hook up to Scotty's sound more than any. So glad you put this out, it is a great tribute from a great friend. Thanks for the love
God Bless You, Tim, for sharing this wonderful tribute to my first and forever guitar hero. The music lives on! Thank You!
Alvin was one of my favorites. If I could instantly become a great guitar player, it would be him that I would want to channel. RIP sir. Thank you for your gift of music.
Just can't hear enough of these tunes and stories. Amazing group, talent on loan from beyond our planet. Thank you so much for bringing some sunshine to a very sad loss. Keep them coming.
Thank you for sharing with us. Sorry for the loss of your dear friend. The music lives on forever.
Wonderful eulogy and wonderful to hear stories about Alvin anytime. I am 72 years old and first saw TYA at the Fillmore Auditorium on their first US tour in 1968-51 years ago. The part about George Harrison was awesome. The more I learn about Alvin the better.
Very Cool. Thankyou. Such an inspiration to my music appreciation. Cheers
Thank you for doing this eulogy. Great great guitarist!! RIP Alvin Lee
I Heard him at Fillmore East August '68 and immediately hired him to play Clark University May 3, '69. What a great wonderful musician! Missed.
This is a fantastic clip. That album he's describing (On the road to Freedom) is my favorite solo Alvin effort.
Alvin Lee there are really no words to describe his importance.honest,real,passion,heart and soul i know im late to the show.and this is another sad realization that nothing last forever
Mr Alvine Lee RIP.
Fabulous. Lovely man, fabulous guitar. Thank you.
Alvin Lee. RIP. Your music lives. Forever.
Thank you so much Mister Hinkley for this great testimony. What a great musician you must be having had the privilege to play with Alvin Lee and been his friends.
I am sure you must have plenty of stories to tell us about your friendship with him.
I started listening TYA when I was ten years old at the end of the sixties and was a big huge fan. The solo album “On the road to freedom” with M. Lefebvre was a great album but my favorite is definitely “In flight” that I have listened and played a million of times (bass guitar player). In the eighties I switched to some other kinds of music but returned to Alvin Lee ‘style in 2000. I bought all of his albums since then because I knew I would never be disappointed.
Still today, at my office, you can find some musics in which you play with Alvin in my playlist that my patients have to listen while I am treating them. Most of them don’t know these musics but seem to enjoy them quite well ( “So sad”, “Carry my load”. “ I’m writing you a letter”, “Motel blues”,”Midnight Creeper” etc.).
I can only thank you more than a million of times for the great job you have done and the wonderful music both of you have brought to our ears.
Be blessed as much as him.
Stay in good health.
Ahhh Yes, We Love Alvin Lee...we (the group of guys my older brother hung out with) would blast Alvin Lee Recorded Live 1973 album... Love the Change the World Album and Cricklewood Green is Excellent, for me, as well.
Wonderful eulogy. Have been an Alvin/TYA fan "groupie" since the first tie they played the Fillmore West, June 28, 1968. Loved the comments at 14:45 minutes regarding George Harrison. Alvin was just 2 years older than me-23 years old i was 21 when we saw them the first time.
I saw Alvin and Ten Years After several times. Filmore West, Winterland, Stockton Polo Grounds. Memorial Auditorium . Some the best an purest rock shows I've ever seen. Broke my heart when he died. He taught me how to play guitar by imitating him."I'll never sell my guitar, Cause that would, Lordy that would be a sin."
You are big tooth liar or Just saw Fellas having FUN
@@gjw701 EFF YOU. I still have it and I will never sell it. I learned how to play by copying Alvin.
My heart is broken!Another hero has ascended to the heavens.Imagine the band!
Thankyou for this. My dad introduced me to this when I was a teenager and I've loved him since.
Saw him at Woodstock. He’s was an amazing guitarist and singer/songwriter. I’d love to change the world was the best. RIP Alvin.💕
I Saw him at Woodstock too, the bluest blues man 👍
What a luck!!!! in Woodstock tell me once more about TYA on stage please..... Thanks
I've only just discovered this but am very touched by your sadness as you remember your close friend Alvin. It was a huge loss when he died so young. He never received the critical praise that he deserved but countless fans worshipped him. It would be nice to see a comprehensive retrospective release that does full justice to his career and recordings. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and memories.
Nice eulogy. I've been a fan since a friend lent me Stonedhenge at school. Love Saguitar BTW. His roots rock stuff is great. Thx.
Glad I stumbled across this tribute to the wonderfully energetic and talented Alvin Lee. I was pleased to hear the inside scoop on Mylon LeFevre. Now that is another guy who needs to be expounded on.
I came across this just after sending the Bluest Blues vid to my daughter in the hospital as a pick me up, and gotta say tnx for the ride thru those years and later. I was in Boulder during those early Ten Years After years and Alvin had many many fans there and then. Great history lesson, tnx again.
Rich
First thank for the insight you gave on Alvin. My brother got me hooked on him in the 70s. Wished I could have seen him one more time ! Roy
That was a wonderful tribute! Thank you for the insight into an amazing musician!
So great ! Thank You, finally.....a correct tribute to the GREAT Alvin Lee.
Dear Tim,
Thank you for putting this gem up on TH-cam about the late and great Alvin Lee.
It is always interesting to hear the stories or 'back stories' about someone, especially from a person who knew them well such as you did with Alvin.
Coincidentally, I come from Mansfield in Nottinghamshire and grew up knowing that the guitarist in Ten Years After who played at the Woodstock festival came from Nottingham.
I had the chance to meet Alvin back stage at Manchester Apollo in Manchester when he was part of 'The Night of Guitars' tour in the '80s. He was so open and friendly. He even posed for a photo with me and friends without any super star ego that others are prone to often in the music business.
A note about the concert: many of the guitarists in the show - Leslie West, Randy California, Pete Haycock, Robby Krieger, Steve Howe, et. al. - commented about "keeping up with Alvin" on the shows! Alvin's performance was stellar.
Wishing you all the very best,
Ty.
Leslie West came down to Alvin’s place after that tour (I went to the Hammersmith Odeon gig). Wow those two together trading licks…unfortunately I don’t think amy of it got recorded. Leslie gave Alvin one of those Steinberger guitars…funny odd guitar with no body and no headstock but it had a ‘gear’ change on it so you could actually change the tuning of the guitar. Alvin loved it…he was not averse to using modern innovations. His prowess in programming the Akai MPC60 drum machine was wonderful to experience, playing chords with his left hand on the guitar and punching in drum fills with his right!
@@madkeysfilms Yes, I would have liked to have gone to more of those shows; they were really on form when we saw them playing trading licks and having fun. I think the Wishbone Ash guitar players were pert of the gig at Manchester too, and, Pete Haycock, he was super on the night.
Fancy it not getting recorded! I know of those guitar as one of my bass players had a bass from them. Modern instruments.
Outside the stage door Leslie threw a stink bomb outside and posed for photos and laughed and joked with us. Alvin was the same. They were so laid back and open and liked hanging out with us too.
After the gig we waited outside the stage door at the back of Manchester Apollo and a friend shouted over to me and pointed to the man leaning up against the wall next to me. It was Robbie Krieger from The Doors. He was open and very friendly.
Steve Howe wanted none of it and speedily walk away from the fans who wanted to meet their musical heroes.
Funny you mention Alvin's 'prowess in programming' the Akai MPC60 drum machine. I bet he was a fast thinker when working with him and passionate with it too.
Do you still record in your studio?
Alvin Lee was the most underrated British guitar player of all. I bought Ten Years After's 1st LP, self titled. His version of Spoonful just blew Clapton's version out of the water. Of the really huge British guitarists, Page, Clapton, and to a lesser degree Jeff Beck, Page was doing acoustic since the latter days of the Yardbirds, Beck does whatever his brilliant guitar mind and fingers feels like. Clapton got a lot of undeserved recognition for bringing acoustic guitar back to the forefront of guitar( it never left) playing with his slowed down pop version of Layla and his sappy Tears in Heaven The closest of the three in style to Alvin was Clapton, a guy who hasn't learned a new guitar lick in at least 40 years. In 1967 Alvin ran rings around him. Clapton wasn't worthy of changing Alvin's guitar strings.
Well, I said Alvin was the most underrated British guitar player. Reckon I made it pretty clear who I feel is the most overrated one. But I loved Alvin's playing very much. And his cherry red Gibson ES 335 with the peace symbol decal, Big Red. For me the highlight of the movie Woodstock was Alvin and TYA's I'm Going Home. Easily. RIP, Alvin. You're very much missed and will not be forgotten.
ABSOLUTE TRUE. ALVIN WAS A GIFT FROM GOD. R.I.P. ALVIN.🌹🍉 CHEERS.
Great player sadly missed.
Rip Alvin Lee- what a player. The first one who went really nuts on guitar, BUT, with great music behind him.
Marvelous! Thank you so much for sharing!!!
Thanks for that . What great friends you two were . Keep making music Tim , Alvin would like that .
Wonderful vid! On the Road to Freedom was a great album with a collection of greats playing on it. Thank you Tim for the great background stories, 😎
This was so great ,a fitting tribute.I worked on the same bill with Alvin in Pittsburgh PA. ,we where scheduled on different days,so missed meeting him. You sounded really great on those albums,kind of astonished to hear it was mostly you and him.Really grooves well. Got a tribute to Alvin on my channel.Nawenko:wa ( Great Thanks) Tim
Fabulous interview…thank-you. 👏
Alvin Lee and George Harrison in the same room must have been amazing! Love music because of men like them!
Going home to SEE MY BABY..... TEN YEARS AFTER......THAS MY FUNERAL SONG.....WHEN I GO HOME TO GOD..
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So well done, his fans like me really appreciate all of this information, it means so much to us.
Thank. You for sharing that magical bond between you and Alvin!
Thank you for sharing this with the music lovers on TH-cam. To us, this is important history. Alvin could certainly “smoke” on a guitar.
Thanks for playing 'That's alright'...awesome Tim!
Alvin Lee iconic in history of rock n Roll music!!!
Thx a lot for sharing. These earlier times then were fascinating. We were listening to your music, tr ying to copy your style and at the same time develping our own style. We just were some miles away from you, across the north see, you were like our „older brothers“. We apreciated the blues and rock music and the special generation feeling of that aera. Sad, the young guys today don t have such experiences. Anyway, the music and that special aera stays forever. Keep on bluesing!
I discovered your tribute film whilst surfing You Tube Tim. As a lifelong fan of Alvin's music, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, memories and love with the world.
I listen to Alvin or TYA almost every day, usually on way to the dog park. Winston-Only dog in the world that grew up on TYA
"I'd love to save the world". That song saved a little tiny part of me. I loved it and wore it out on the vinyl lp that I owned. Thanks for this video.
seeing Alvin play on TV was absofuckinloutley mind blowing for my peanut at the time
i wish i could have known him because he is part of the reason my life became such a beautiful pile of shit to this point in time.
of coarse i did have a small bit to do with it.
i connected with something thru seeing him and will forever be in his debt
watching him play was the first time i saw a musician really bear his soul.yea.
mr Lee set the bar way high.
where there are no more numbers on the dial.
Thanks so much for this fun insight into Alvin. Back in 1981. I bought front row tickets to Eric Clapton because I was told Alvin Lee was playing guitar with him on this particular tour, only to find out it was Albert Lee. It is amazing that two guys with just a couple letters separating their names are two of my favorite guitar players, and I would never have known much Albert Lee had I not tried to see Alvin Lee supposedly playing with Eric Clapton. Your eulogy illustrated how interconnected the world of top musicians really is. This has been saved to my TH-cam account. Blessings to you!
Nice and respectfully presented.
Alvin was just great...the touch and feeling for me is Motel Blues...but there are many.
RIP Alvin...and thanks for your time making the video
Very underrated for sure, lucky to have seen Ten years After at Winterland around 71 ,I believe that footage is on TH-cam
Thank you, sir.
I love hearing details about their personalities & their families.
Like the part about his father playing blues & having a nip.
The first time I heard Alvin was at woodstock. There was a ton of talent there . But there were just some bands that shown like a star. Ten Years After was one of the stars.
Thanks for uploading this Wonderful Tribute to Alvin Lee one of the Greatest
Alvin Lee, lo maximo en guitarra.
Alvin lee my growing life together music my living my suffers all growing In life , like together still Alvin my best body always admired him.
Thank you for this beautiful portrait. RIP AL 💗
Thanks this was great.Alvin was my guitar hero.Saw TYA in 75 ,16 row in Houston coliseum and ten years later again in the coliseum,II was Ist in line for tickets.i got ist row in front of his mic.Stood the entire show at his feet.Best part was after a long solo,Hobbit I think ,they went into a long drum solo and Alvin put down big red and laid on the stage on his back next to the drummer and smoked a cigarette.We were exactly eye level and he looked at me smiled and looked at my date who was pretty,and he looked back at me and gave me a thumbs up.It was so freaking cool.
I got to see TYA back in the late 60's, early 70's, back in NY. Once was at Stony Brook University, once at a converted bowling alley into a concert hall, and once at Madison Square Garden. As a side note, at MSG the opening act was the first NY appearance of that little old band from Texas, ZZ Top. Those were the days.
The band he put together for the Rainbow gig basically was Kokomo who were totally underrated.
Hey Tim Hinkley, thanks for that little talk. I saw Alvin Lee in New England a long time ago, and he was on the same bill with Frank Zappa. What a night. I’m still not over it.
Remember first listening to Undead album, Woodchoppers Ball. It wasn't rock, it wasn't blues it wasn't really jazz...it was just Fantastic!
Only got to see Alvin & Ten Years After once but it was so fantastic it still feels like yesterday, I had fantastic seats and R&R Music To The World had just been released .
Alvin is the reason I picked up a guitar, he was a huge influence on me, I met him once after a concert in Houston in 69, very brief but very special to me. A genuinely nice guy. I was just a kid(16) and he could've just blown me off but he didn't, I'll never forget it. I didn't even think to get a photo or an autograph. Miss him dearly.
I finally got to see Alvin, in Albuquerque NM USA, sometime in the mid 70's. It was a small venue and I got to sit right in front of Alvin. I am so glad I got to experience him in the flesh. So close. I miss him too. His music of course will and should live forever. It is up to us to make sure people hear him. Thank you for this Eulogy. I am sorry for your loss. Our loss.
I'm sorry for your loss; as a friend, it must be extremely hard to carry on. Thank you for writing w/Alvin. The music helped me get through some tough times, great work. I was shocked too when I heard the news. It helps to imagine he found peace. I hope you can release some new pieces. --Do you know why Joe Bonamassa played Alvin's guitar for a Royal Albert Hall performance? Geez, what a rip, what horror! Joe's okay, but he's NOT Alvin. I can't imagine why his family would let anyone get a hold of his guitar. It should stay forever silent w/out Alvin, encased in acrylic, to be seen & not touched. All those personalized stickers make it instantly identifiable, a precious time piece, and fragile. I guess they sold it. sad/sad/sad
I should imagine that he was playing it in honour of Alvin - I suspect that Alvin would have been pleased....Joe always seems to have the utmost respect for the greats who came before him...
@@geoffwright2845 Thank you, I'm sure you're right. Like, I want to leave my sports car to someone who will drive it and take care of it. It was built to go for a run.
@@cooglerHere......I know just what you mean as I've got a couple of much-loved old cars...
Lovely. Saw TYA at Alexandra Palace back around 74 ish. Brilliant guitarist, and brilliant band members all round. RIP the main man 👍👍
After seeing the movie Woodstock my friend and I double dated to go see Ten Years After at the Anaheim Convention Center. That place was huge and sold out. That concert was about 1970. I've spent many hours listening to Alvin over the years. He was at least one of the top ten guitarists of all time.
First show I ever went to alone. AC convention hall I was 13 my dad drove me. lol it was awesome
The world just isn't the same without Alvin Lee .
Thank you for the music .
Patto! One of my favourite bands of the time, Olly Halsall was a true innovator as a guitarist. Alvin was a great player. Truly charismatic artist.
Ollie was unique. An amazing musician …….. borderline crazy too!
Always loved him..snuck out to see Woodstock movie when it came out..was in Manila at the time...10 yrs old..Alvin and The Who blew me away...such a soulful player!💝
An amazing guitarist, great singer and a humble man. My favourite is The Bluest Blues. It really showcased his abilities RIP Alvin😍
Alvin was underated all hes career ! Great player
Saw Alvin lee 2x. The guy was a fucking monster! One of the most underrated guitarists ever.mon oh man that cat could play.when I hear some of the music that's out today I get sad thinking about TYA. They were awesome.Alvin you were something ,go easy bro
I loved everything he played pure talent. I miss you my brother kudos to y’all. Rip ❤️🙏🏼🎸
beautiful tribute,,,his music has been a life long friend for me, from the time my aunt introduced me to rock at a family reunion when she gave me the Woodstock album to listen to, which changed my life completely at age 12, through my college years, desert years, Army years,, raiding kids, ...its been one of my touch points. This is such a touching and compelling tribute to his fearless embrace of life, and his offering to the universe....he really did Change the World. The "In Flight" album was especially interesting, as I love that album, and almost never seem it referenced. It really showed how broad and deep his skills went. I marvelled then at how tight that band was and well blended for such a diverse musical line-up. what a nice and fitting tribute, take good care, thank you so much for the effort :)
Wow he nails Elvis in that track - almost channels him 😳🙏
Thank you for this 💕
ALVIN LEE WILL ALWAYS BE KNOWN AS ONE OF THE GREATEST GUITARIST EVER. LEO LYANS,R.CHURCHILL,R.LEE, WAS HIS MUSICAL TRADE TO BE HEARD.😎🎸🎶🔊🎼☮️ BOB.
What a great video. Me and all my friends from the late 60's and early 70's loved Ten Years After. So interesting to hear what their life was like on the inside of the circle.
Wow, thank you so much for this Tim. Love all your work with Alvin. Any chance of getting that brilliant instrumental at the beginning and end of the video released?