I was 16. Just got my driver license I took off and drove 50 miles to see Alvin Lee. The concert was almost unbelievable. I had a great seat and of course way back then .almost everyone was friendly. His speed and finesse. Wow. And as teen girl to me,he was pretty easy on the eyes. I'll never forget it. We've lost so many giants.
Saw Ten Years After at Big Surf Tempe Arizona 1972, Been playing Guitar ever since. Changed my Life. Wow. Couldn't believe the Sounds I was Hearing. R.I.P. 🎸
The man who played faster than his shadow! Alvin's unique style was fantastic, because so much of the great axe work he did was done without the use of a foot pedal, fuzz box, wah-wah bar, or any other type of gimmick, which is almost unheard of today, and his pure, raw, natural finger speed on guitar was at times almost unbelievable. Ole "Captain Speedfingers" will forever be missed.
Mike, at 18 yo, it changed my life too. I was not there in 1969, but when the Movie came out a year later, i was FLOORED. No one played that Gibson guitar like that before or since. Alvin was a GOAT.
Thanks for the documentary video. I was not at Woodstock either far too young but it was the movie that changed my life for a Blues future of enjoyment.
I’ve been a fan of AL all my life (im 69) and this is the first time I’ve heard him in an interview. I’m so glad I came across this! To know his immense talent and listen to him talk in such an unassuming way. What a humble and guy. Thank you for posting this!
On the west side of the Big Pond, we had Jimi Hendrix; on the east side of the Big Pond, we had Alvin Lee....Most only talk about Jimi, shame that they are overlooking such a great player as Alvin.......Miss his new releases but grateful fof all that he released in his lifetime
@David Doyle, you'll get no argument from me on that score mate. Alvin's brilliant style, as many tend to forget, was more often than not done without the use of any foot pedals, wah-wah bars, or any other kind of gimmicks, and his finger speed at times was almost unbelievable to watch. He sported 3 nicknames during the whole of his career, Captain Speedfingers, The Man Who Played Faster Than His Shadow, & Fastest Guitar In The West. Any of the afore mentioned suits Alvin to a tee.
I AGREE - ALVIN LEE - had feeling - HE could swing in the jazz groove - rock out blues - do rockabilly - fast or slow blues with great feeling - HE gave us all chills to hear HIM anytime - Not just at The Woodstock 1969 Festival but at every gig - HE named the band TEN YEARS AFTER in 1966 - from being 10 years after HIS idol ELVIS PRESLEY had come on the scene in 1956 - True Story !
Alvin Lee was my hero. TYA was the band for me. I had every one of their albums. Then I saw them in Minneapolis (Bloomington at the ICEHOUSE) in 1971. Procol Harem was one of their warmup bands.
I just turned 60. Older than some and younger than others. Been digging Alvin Lee and Ten Years After for as long as I can remember. Been playing guitar for 46 years and love and respect all the great musicians before and after. Especially the blues. Alvin Lee is THE MOST UNDERRATED guitarist of all time. I'm not sorry but cut and dry, there is not another out there that even comes close. Tommy Emanuel comes extremely close but is still 2nd chair. R.I.P. brother.
ALVIN LEE may be UNDERRATED to many - but not to me ! - HE is top shelf - I like ALVIN LEE more than the other more well known guitar men of HIS era ! No one ever swung like that - No one ever moved some fast and accurate - ALVIN LEE FOREVER !
29, been playing a few months but loved Ten Years since about 18. He's a legend! People my age dont belive me when I tell them the likes of The Rolling Stones and Hendrix were influenced or even used to studdy Lee. I read In interview transcript with him, one quote was "I'm not one for practicing, I'm a jammer"......you bastard Alvin hahaha!
I had the privilege of seeing Alvin as I was a teen ,so many years ago. He reinforced my love of blues and blues rock. Great performance. Great memory. I love his music.
RIP Brother Alvin. True Guitar legend. Rocket fuel Blues Rock legend that no doubt influenced many. England’s answer to Bloomfield. Alvin just wanted to play. He shunned the limelight and steered away from trivial pop trends. Off stage was a Pretty low key down to earth guy. He collaborated with Mylon Lefever’ on a little known cool acoustic Bluesy roots Album. Alvin bucked the trendy and stayed true to his Heart ❤️
Mr Alvin Lee one of the most over looked blues player. Alvin Lee was a monster blues player & Ten Years After during the 1968 to mid 70’s was a very hard driving blues force to deal with. I remember seeing them in Los Angeles at the Forum Arena with a monster band call “ Grand Funk” opening for them. A truly very memorable concert. I knew that I was very fortunate to be there & witnessed so of the best blues & rock moments of all time!
Jimmy Page once said that Alvin Lee was the only guitar player that he would pay to see live. Pretty high praise coming from someone who knows a thing or two about great guitar players!! RIP, Alvin, I am thrilled that I got to see you play live once...What an amazing gig!!! 👍🏾👍🏻🎸🕊️🤍...............
My grandad grew up with him he used to be called bud my grandad has told me loads about him before the fame my grandad would walk to school with bud or Alvin they were good mates as well 6 or 7 years ago they were in touch but sadly he Alvin passed r.I.p this legendary guitar player.
Been a Ten Years After fan since 1968 when I bought "Undead". Alvin's style on that album had a jazzy blues feel to it. The version of "I'm Going Home" on that album is much different than the one from the Woodstock concert. Then "Sssh" came out and I was hooked. Up until Alvin's untimely death he was still performing and was still great.
R.I. P. Alvin, his death a senseless tragedy. I hadn't heard of them when I saw Sssshh... in the record shop. Loved the cover, read the back and saw they played blues. Bonus psychedelic poster! Fell in love with the music and eventually got all their albums. Seeing them live circa 1970 is still my biggest thrill as a concert-goer.
My Guitar hero ....playing so fast on that unwieldy big Gibson ( rather than the ubiquitous Strat) , is even more remarkable , because Alvin's preferred instrument had a higher action , and therefore didn't lend itself , easily , to lightning - fast playing ....He could play almost anything , and never sought superstardom .....and was a really cool bloke to boot , by all accounts .....Graham Anthony Barnes ....you will always be one of the greats .
335s aren't really unwieldy, they're a thin body and hollow, so not as heavy as they look. They were designed to be "wieldy,".as opposed to a jazz box. Nor would it have had a high action, unless he preferred that, but I doubt he would.
Saw Alvin Lee in concert around the 90's....he did touring in Italy with a super line up and he was still so brilliant,lot's of Energy and great emotions,thanks Alvin,we miss you so much ... R .I P.
When was this interview made? Alvin looked so good here. May he RIP - he died March 2013. He was a GOAT.! What is the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame waiting for????? That is an Atrocity perpetuated for decades. TYA was great Rock Blues band. Alvin just decided NOT to pusue Pop hits. In fact, I'd Love To Change The World was never performed live because Alvin hated what he thought about the song being too Poppy. Ric Lee tells you that in his book.....From Headstocks To Woodstock. Great read.
yes - - the song - - " I'D LOVE TO CHANGE THE WORLD " has to be one of the greatest songs ever - ever written - I t means so much to us right now -in this world - - in our lives all around the world - - wow - and ALVIN LEE had those thoughts down way back when in 1971 -
Alvin was a big talent...The English musicians took American blues and changed it to a whole new stellar level....Guitar great Joe Bonamassa talks about that....
I was mesmerized by his and the bands Woodstock '69 performance and the" Watt" album became my first but definitely not last TYA possession. Graham A. Barnes aka Alvin Lee may you forever rest in peace in the eternal heaven of blues - we surely miss you and Big Red. ☮️❤️🎸
Watt is a fantastic album & there are some very cool and inventive passages on it. I love the raw Deram sound just as much as the very polished albums on Columbia.
When was this??? To me Alvin Lee was this player that effortlessly played fast rock-/jazz runs as hell, and also sang with this very ... voice. I love him!
I think many adolescent boys in 1970s Florida had a guitar god and Alvin Lee was mine. He was awesome. Saw him in concert four or five times. Great shows. Loved the TYA albums and his later solo work. IMHO he is incredibly underrated as a blues guitarist and performer.
I saw him perform on my birthday decades ago. Such a treat. One incredibly awesome guitarist. His performance at Woodstock made that event what it was and is.
Based on TYAs performance at Woodstock alone should have had TYA inducted into the RR HALL OF FAME. That performance of I'm Going Home, was one for the ages ! It's Alvin's Gibson Guitar with the Peace sign which is the trademark posters of Woodstock.
Many thanks for uploading this interview. I'm very happy that me and my girlfriend saw TYA live in Amsterdam (Oude Rai) 1971 and the opening act was a Dutch rockband 'Nou En', I guess. At least for me for over 50 years, Alvin Lee's intro lick to 'I'm Going Home' still packs some magical notes that are hard to crack. There are many appreciated attempts on CZcams, but none that sound like the Woodstock version.
Definitely one of the best blues men. My favorite song by him is bluest of blues one of the greatest songs ever done. George Harrison played slide perfectly o it and Alvin played outstanding lead guitar on one of the greatest blues songs ever done!
Alvin Lee is probably my most missed singer/guitarist , loved the old days of Swamp Dogg. I would hope that some young inspriring musicions would filll this void. Ten fucking Years After, how about 50 years. If you remember he was at Woodstock along with Richie Havens, watch Festival Express to get a fill for this particular era.
I mirror your comments. Saw them several times in S. Fla. Pirates World , Humble Pie was the opener and also in Miami, I think it was at Dinner Key Auditorium, Yes was the opening band at that one. As soon as TYA came on stage a few idiots would start screaming for "Im going home" I can understand how they would grow real tired of that. Disgusting that TYA isnt in the HOF. Just not commercial enough I guess.
Alvin could shred like nobody's business....thanks for sharing this interview.....he was a powerful blues rocker...saw him at Philmore West and he blew away the other bands on the bill...he covered a lot of guitar ground...I always thought he played a lot like Johnny Winter
After seeing TYA in the Woodstock Movie in 1970 , I saw them live at the Fillmore East , total kick Ass performance of a Rock Blues Band. No frills, no ridiculous light and smoke shows, just Music. Listen to TYA live at the Fillmore East LP. 1971.
When my mom was sick and in and out of the hospital her last year, all she wanted to listen to was TYA and Jimi...both seemed to take her mind off the pain and transport her mind❤️🩹
The original shredder from the 60's -70's totally unique and stood out among his peers-Jimi, Clapton, Leslie West , Page ect..TYA iconic performance from Woodstock is blowing young ones today here on CZcams with " first reaction" video's
This is one of the best interviews that I've heard Alvin Lee give. With the film footage, I wish they would have made a lengthy documentary. Nevertheless, what's here is excellent. Thank you!
@@daisywrabbit Did I ever! Yes, not only have I seen the film, I've met Terry Reid who was also in the film. This was in 2014 at a Jimmy Page book signing at the Grove here in Los Angeles. Great question that brought back memories of that day and meeting Jimmy Page. Groupies was on my radar about 40 years ago in a small independent theatre in San Jose Ca. It's a great little treasure of a film. Thanks for opening up some fond memories.
So happy i stumbled upon this ! Alvin seems like a genuine good guy & great musician that cared about his musical roots .So glad I got to see 10 Years After live in the 70`S !
Alvin's comments toward the end remind me of Robbie Robertson's comments about being on the road too long. Thank you for posting. He was one of my first guitar heroes. Great story.
Saw Ten Years After in the mid-seventies years later saw Ten Years Later at a festival concert of about 8 bands it was a long hot day a lot of people left Alvin was the last performer there was a small crowd in front of the stage he is my chance to get up front l was in front of Alvin ten feet away it was amazing his encore song was ChooChooMama l saw Alvin perform at a small club met him in person and even bought him a drink l only talked for a few minutes he was such a humble and down to earth guy and a nice guy great memories to have we miss you Alvin you are one of a kind
Ten Years After has always been one of my favorite bands to listen to since I was about 10 years old and now nearing 60. I have pretty much their entire catalog either on CD or vinyl and listen to them quite often now. RIP Alvin you guys created music that still lives on.
Those TYA albums! The energy in those songs. Even those lighter songs had it...I have the box set with about time added to complete it...Still listen to them often! Awesome!!
Alvin lee is a guitar legend superpower an original shreddar try playing as fast as he was in 60s and 70s with those ancient guitar set ups with 1/2inch guitar action good luck
where did you get that high action stuff? 335s are highly prized for their playability and tone. Ancient? Rock guitar was PERFECTED in the 60s and hasn't really changed much at all.
@@user-wd8mn8sf1j yeah where the hell did I get that , pick ups from the days of the 60s just as good as today. Pedals from the 60s just as good as today. Technology hasn't gone anywhere in all that time. Medical procedure still about the same. Sorry for not getting that the 60s was the Pinnacle of perfection for guitar and guitar set ups . Please excuse my ignorance
i used to hade the 45 single 'love like a man; .the a side was the short studio version. the b side was the 8 min live version. you had to play the b side at 33 rpm.
I first heard TYA's "Recorded Live" when I was on a school exchange trip to France in 1976, and instantly loved it. Been a massive fan of Alvin Lee ever since. God smiled on me when I got a ticket front row centre seat for a Ten Years Later gig at the Hammersmith Odeon in 1979. The best gig I have ever been to - 2 1/2 hours of sweaty blues & rock with no pyro or gimmicks. If you listen to his solos, Alvin only had 3 or 4 different licks, but he played and combined them so well. Sad loss.
I got to see him once and his speed on that big red Gibson guitar was amazing. I always thought he has to be in the 10 best rock guitarist of all time.
Pathetically, neither Alvin nor Ten Years After has ever even been nominated for admission to the R&R Hall Of Fame. They are too busy inducting Donna Summer and The Beastie Boys to even consider AL or TYA. This and other exclusions (Johnny Winter among others) have caused me to lose respect for the H of F completely.
Definitely one of the greatest🎸 of all time and most underrated. RIP🙏🕯️✝️
Alvin has been my Guitar Hero since 1969 and he still is. R.I.P ALVIN YOU’LL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED.
I was 16. Just got my driver license I took off and drove 50 miles to see Alvin Lee. The concert was almost unbelievable. I had a great seat and of course way back then .almost everyone was friendly. His speed and finesse. Wow. And as teen girl to me,he was pretty easy on the eyes. I'll never forget it. We've lost so many giants.
Bless this underrated guitarist ✌️
NOBODY EVER UNDERRATED ALVIN !!!
Saw Ten Years After at Big Surf Tempe Arizona 1972, Been playing Guitar ever since. Changed my Life. Wow. Couldn't believe the Sounds I was Hearing. R.I.P. 🎸
never knew I needed a guitar hero until I found Alvin Lee.
⚡️♥️✌️🎸
The man who played faster than his shadow! Alvin's unique style was fantastic, because so much of the great axe work he did was done without the use of a foot pedal, fuzz box, wah-wah bar, or any other type of gimmick, which is almost unheard of today, and his pure, raw, natural finger speed on guitar was at times almost unbelievable. Ole "Captain Speedfingers" will forever be missed.
The worst selling thing ever "Alvin Lee effects pedal"!
@@robmontier639 🤣
He was an all-around talent.
ALVIN The BEST Of The BEST!!!!!
That song “I’m Going Home” at Woodstock changed my life and I’ve enjoy the Blues ever since, may you R.I.P Alvin.
Mike, at 18 yo, it changed my life too. I was not there in 1969, but when the Movie came out a year later, i was FLOORED. No one played that Gibson guitar like that before or since. Alvin was a GOAT.
Thanks for the documentary video. I was not at Woodstock either far too young but it was the movie that changed my life for a Blues future of enjoyment.
I’ve been a fan of AL all my life (im 69) and this is the first time I’ve heard him in an interview. I’m so glad I came across this! To know his immense talent and listen to him talk in such an unassuming way. What a humble and guy. Thank you for posting this!
ALVIN IS GOD. Cheers.
Me too, I wish there were more interviews with him. He's better than many big names ...
I have also never seen him like this...
Alvin Lee is so Awesome !!!! I see him in person…. I really enjoy his guitar and love his style of guitar playing !
EYE AM CRYING HAPPY TEARS !! R.I.P MATE 🙏
My favorite rock and roll guitar player of all time. His picture hangs on my wall
For me, A Space in Time was Alvin Lee/TYA’s best album. 🎸
On the west side of the Big Pond, we had Jimi Hendrix; on the east side of the Big Pond, we had Alvin Lee....Most only talk about Jimi, shame that they are overlooking such a great player as Alvin.......Miss his new releases but grateful fof all that he released in his lifetime
What a guitar hero!one of the greatest!long live his music!
In my opinion Alvins playing is still UNSURPASSED to this day,,,
Yeah totally. The energy he gives off is incredible
@David Doyle, you'll get no argument from me on that score mate. Alvin's brilliant style, as many tend to forget, was more often than not done without the use of any foot pedals, wah-wah bars, or any other kind of gimmicks, and his finger speed at times was almost unbelievable to watch. He sported 3 nicknames during the whole of his career, Captain Speedfingers, The Man Who Played Faster Than His Shadow, & Fastest Guitar In The West. Any of the afore mentioned suits Alvin to a tee.
I AGREE - ALVIN LEE - had feeling - HE could swing in the jazz groove - rock out blues - do rockabilly - fast or slow blues with great feeling - HE gave us all chills to hear HIM anytime - Not just at The Woodstock 1969 Festival but at every gig - HE named the band TEN YEARS AFTER in 1966 - from being 10 years after HIS idol ELVIS PRESLEY had come on the scene in 1956 - True Story !
He was a total bluesman .....a very important band in the british blues movement of the mid to late 1960 . He sang in a very cool way too
Alvin Lee was my hero. TYA was the band for me. I had every one of their albums. Then I saw them in Minneapolis (Bloomington at the ICEHOUSE) in 1971. Procol Harem was one of their warmup bands.
I saw Alvin & TYA in Birmingham, AL (1972). Just mind blowing.
I just turned 60. Older than some and younger than others. Been digging Alvin Lee and Ten Years After for as long as I can remember. Been playing guitar for 46 years and love and respect all the great musicians before and after. Especially the blues. Alvin Lee is THE MOST UNDERRATED guitarist of all time. I'm not sorry but cut and dry, there is not another out there that even comes close. Tommy Emanuel comes extremely close but is still 2nd chair. R.I.P. brother.
ALVIN LEE may be UNDERRATED to many - but not to me ! - HE is top shelf - I like ALVIN LEE more than the other more well known guitar men of HIS era ! No one ever swung like that - No one ever moved some fast and accurate - ALVIN LEE FOREVER !
@@hollywoodjoe123 I agree.RIP ALVIN.hi
29, been playing a few months but loved Ten Years since about 18. He's a legend! People my age dont belive me when I tell them the likes of The Rolling Stones and Hendrix were influenced or even used to studdy Lee. I read In interview transcript with him, one quote was "I'm not one for practicing, I'm a jammer"......you bastard Alvin hahaha!
Cool. I'm 65 and saw Ten Years in concert back in 1974
I had the privilege of seeing Alvin as I was a teen ,so many years ago. He reinforced my love of blues and blues rock. Great performance. Great memory. I love his music.
I wonder why this great guitarist Alvin lee was always underrated. What a crime
Sometimes when listening I get the impression that their no-nonsense music was simply Too-Much Music for the music pundits.
Because the music journos have their bog standard favourites ie Page, Clapton, Beck, etc. A vastly underappreciated guitarist.
Sounds like he had a very cool dad. What a time to be alive.
66 here. I’d,love to change the world, but I don’t want to do. Still on point.
the great Alvin Lee. Long Live His Music.
Total genius!
RIP Brother Alvin. True Guitar legend. Rocket fuel Blues Rock legend that no doubt influenced many. England’s answer to Bloomfield. Alvin just wanted to play. He shunned the limelight and steered away from trivial pop trends. Off stage was a Pretty low key down to earth guy. He collaborated with Mylon Lefever’ on a little known cool acoustic Bluesy roots Album. Alvin bucked the trendy and stayed true to his Heart ❤️
Always loved Alvin Lee, from TYA to his roots albums. This interview shows what integrity he had as a musician.
Yeah, exactly, not a driving jukebox like they wanted TYA to be but a true musician.
He was the original shredder for sure!
What a legend
Mr Alvin Lee one of the most over looked blues player. Alvin Lee was a monster blues player & Ten Years After during the 1968 to mid 70’s was a very hard driving blues force to deal with. I remember seeing them in Los Angeles at the Forum Arena with a monster band call “ Grand Funk” opening for them. A truly very memorable concert. I knew that I was very fortunate to be there & witnessed so of the best blues & rock moments of all time!
As the song says Simply the Best!!!!
10 years after was my first concert ever in the 70’s. Was a big Alvin Lee fan !
Alvin Lee at Woodstock blew my fuckn mind, Best live performance ever
I saw him and Ten Years after in Montreal, Canada in 1971. That was a great show and he was one of the greatest guitar player in rock and blues.
And I saw him in Montreal too but 1981 as the Alvin Lee band (not TYA) but was equally amazing!
That's precisely why he and TYA should be in the RRHOF.!!! WTF is wrong with them......
An Alvin Lee Ten Years After show at the Fillmore or Winterland with the Grateful Dead. Bill Graham had the knack.
Saw many times, one of the best live shows/players ever. Miss him.
Jimmy Page once said that Alvin Lee was the only guitar player that he would pay to see live. Pretty high praise coming from someone who knows a thing or two about great guitar players!! RIP, Alvin, I am thrilled that I got to see you play live once...What an amazing gig!!! 👍🏾👍🏻🎸🕊️🤍...............
Alvin Lee was My First Guitar Hero. 👏👏👏
Rest in peace Alvin. You were a one off.
My grandad grew up with him he used to be called bud my grandad has told me loads about him before the fame my grandad would walk to school with bud or Alvin they were good mates as well 6 or 7 years ago they were in touch but sadly he Alvin passed r.I.p this legendary guitar player.
Been a Ten Years After fan since 1968 when I bought "Undead". Alvin's style on that album had a jazzy blues feel to it. The version of "I'm Going Home" on that album is much different than the one from the Woodstock concert. Then "Sssh" came out and I was hooked. Up until Alvin's untimely death he was still performing and was still great.
AND WHAT ABOUT ----" WOODCHOPPER'S BALL " ?
R.I. P. Alvin, his death a senseless tragedy.
I hadn't heard of them when I saw Sssshh... in the record shop. Loved the cover, read the back and saw they played blues. Bonus psychedelic poster! Fell in love with the music and eventually got all their albums. Seeing them live circa 1970 is still my biggest thrill as a concert-goer.
YES INDEED !
@@user-wd8mn8sf1j
WOODCHOPPER COOKS!
I loved them. The shhhh album was my favorite
My Guitar hero ....playing so fast on that unwieldy big Gibson ( rather than the ubiquitous Strat) , is even more remarkable , because Alvin's preferred instrument had a higher action , and therefore didn't lend itself , easily , to lightning - fast playing ....He could play almost anything , and never sought superstardom .....and was a really cool bloke to boot , by all accounts .....Graham Anthony Barnes ....you will always be one of the greats .
I met him a few times , yes he was a cool guy and a gentleman , easy to talk with.
335s aren't really unwieldy, they're a thin body and hollow, so not as heavy as they look. They were designed to be "wieldy,".as opposed to a jazz box. Nor would it have had a high action, unless he preferred that, but I doubt he would.
and you can always rework the action@@user-wd8mn8sf1j
Saw Alvin Lee in concert around the 90's....he did touring in Italy with a super line up and he was still so brilliant,lot's of Energy and great emotions,thanks Alvin,we miss you so much ... R .I P.
When was this interview made? Alvin looked so good here. May he RIP - he died March 2013. He was a GOAT.! What is the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame waiting for????? That is an Atrocity perpetuated for decades. TYA was great Rock Blues band. Alvin just decided NOT to pusue Pop hits. In fact, I'd Love To Change The World was never performed live because Alvin hated what he thought about the song being too Poppy. Ric Lee tells you that in his book.....From Headstocks To Woodstock. Great read.
To this day, that "Ooh yah!" in "I'd Love to Change the World" gives me chills. I always gotta play that REALLY loud!
and last blues blue is excellent
yes - - the song - - " I'D LOVE TO CHANGE THE WORLD " has to be one of the greatest songs ever - ever written - I t means so much to us right now -in this world - - in our lives all around the world - - wow - and ALVIN LEE had those thoughts down way back when in 1971 -
Alvin was a big talent...The English musicians took American blues and changed it to a whole new stellar level....Guitar great Joe Bonamassa talks about that....
I was mesmerized by his and the bands Woodstock '69 performance and the" Watt" album became my first but definitely not last TYA possession.
Graham A. Barnes aka Alvin Lee may you forever rest in peace in the eternal heaven of blues - we surely miss you and Big Red.
☮️❤️🎸
Watt is a fantastic album & there are some very cool and inventive passages on it. I love the raw Deram sound just as much as the very polished albums on Columbia.
When was this???
To me Alvin Lee was this player that effortlessly played fast rock-/jazz runs as hell, and also sang with this very ... voice. I love him!
I think many adolescent boys in 1970s Florida had a guitar god and Alvin Lee was mine. He was awesome. Saw him in concert four or five times. Great shows. Loved the TYA albums and his later solo work. IMHO he is incredibly underrated as a blues guitarist and performer.
RIP, Alvin. Thank you.
The best
Loved this band. So tight and soulful. Very interesting, thanks for sharing.
The very first shredder.
He was an incredible acoustic fingerpicking guitar player, I always wish he recorded a solo acoustic album....thanks Alvin!
❤’ed Ten years after w/Alvan Lee Harvard Stadium just after Woodstock great musician 👏👏👏
Mustn’t forget Ten Years After’s subtle cover of that Al Kooper number I Can’t Keep From Crying Sometimes.
I saw him perform on my birthday decades ago. Such a treat. One incredibly awesome guitarist. His performance at Woodstock made that event what it was and is.
Based on TYAs performance at Woodstock alone should have had TYA inducted into the RR HALL OF FAME. That performance of I'm Going Home, was one for the ages ! It's Alvin's Gibson Guitar with the Peace sign which is the trademark posters of Woodstock.
Many thanks for uploading this interview. I'm very happy that me and my girlfriend saw TYA live in Amsterdam (Oude Rai) 1971 and the opening act was a Dutch rockband 'Nou En', I guess.
At least for me for over 50 years, Alvin Lee's intro lick to 'I'm Going Home' still packs some magical notes that are hard to crack. There are many appreciated attempts on CZcams, but none that sound like the Woodstock version.
How his bass player kept from shaking his brains loose...
Always and still an underrated player.
Amen!
His whole band is underrated
That Ten Years After live album from '68 has some of the craziest guitar playing.
Huhg???? Under whaaa? Noway. Numero uno! #1 man.
Anyone who knows music knows he is not underrated
Definitely one of the best blues men. My favorite song by him is bluest of blues one of the greatest songs ever done. George Harrison played slide perfectly o it and Alvin played outstanding lead guitar on one of the greatest blues songs ever done!
George H and Alvin were big buddies.
The bluest blues,also at top of my list from Alvin Lee.
they were amazing live .
Alvin Lee is probably my most missed singer/guitarist , loved the old days of Swamp Dogg. I would hope that some young inspriring musicions would filll this void. Ten fucking Years After, how about 50 years. If you remember he was at Woodstock along with Richie Havens, watch Festival Express to get a fill for this particular era.
RIP Alvin.. Big part of my adolescent times , good and bad..
Saw TYA 4 times in S. Fla..
Raw R&B power.. Tight band, Leo kicked ass on bass..
I mirror your comments. Saw them several times in S. Fla. Pirates World , Humble Pie was the opener and also in Miami, I think it was at Dinner Key Auditorium, Yes was the opening band at that one. As soon as TYA came on stage a few idiots would start screaming for "Im going home" I can understand how they would grow real tired of that. Disgusting that TYA isnt in the HOF. Just not commercial enough I guess.
I saw Ten Years After with Alvin Lee in 1981/82 they opened for Black Sabbath - Mob Rules tour in Ottawa Canada , Civic Center. A phemonenal show!
I saw Alvin Lee on 3 different occasions at Barrymores on Bank Street once with Mick Taylor never disappointed
Alvin is a beast,a legend and legends can't be underrateded!
Saw him play live with Ten years After. Amazing guitar player
That footage from 1969 was incredible.
One of the greats and he didn't even use a strat..Love your music...
Alvin could shred like nobody's business....thanks for sharing this interview.....he was a powerful blues rocker...saw him at Philmore West and he blew away the other bands on the bill...he covered a lot of guitar ground...I always thought he played a lot like Johnny Winter
After seeing TYA in the Woodstock Movie in 1970 , I saw them live at the Fillmore East , total kick Ass performance of a Rock Blues Band. No frills, no ridiculous light and smoke shows, just Music. Listen to TYA live at the Fillmore East LP. 1971.
Amazing genius guitarist ❤.
When my mom was sick and in and out of the hospital her last year, all she wanted to listen to was TYA and Jimi...both seemed to take her mind off the pain and transport her mind❤️🩹
The original shredder from the 60's -70's totally unique and stood out among his peers-Jimi, Clapton, Leslie West , Page ect..TYA iconic performance from Woodstock is blowing young ones today here on CZcams with " first reaction" video's
This is one of the best interviews that I've heard Alvin Lee give. With the film footage, I wish they would have made a lengthy documentary. Nevertheless, what's here is excellent. Thank you!
have you seen the documentary Groupies?
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@@daisywrabbit Did I ever! Yes, not only have I seen the film, I've met Terry Reid who was also in the film. This was in 2014 at a Jimmy Page book signing at the Grove here in Los Angeles. Great question that brought back memories of that day and meeting Jimmy Page. Groupies was on my radar about 40 years ago in a small independent theatre in San Jose Ca. It's a great little treasure of a film. Thanks for opening up some fond memories.
@@davidcooper7339 🌼✌️😊🌼
So happy i stumbled upon this ! Alvin seems like a genuine good guy & great musician that cared about his musical roots .So glad I got to see 10 Years After live in the 70`S !
Alvin Lee - in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame ~ !!
What the Hell is taking so long. It's because TYA didn't produce pop hits on the top 40 charts.
Still play “Love Like a Man’ when I want to rattle the windows. Undead was one of my favourite albums, and Cricklewood Green. A fine, fine player.
Alvin's comments toward the end remind me of Robbie Robertson's comments about being on the road too long. Thank you for posting. He was one of my first guitar heroes. Great story.
rest in peace, Alvin and Robbie
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HE BROUGHT HIM BACK TO THE HOUSE!
Alvin was one of my early influences on guitar.
Saw Ten Years After in the mid-seventies years later saw Ten Years Later at a festival concert of about 8 bands it was a long hot day a lot of people left Alvin was the last performer there was a small crowd in front of the stage he is my chance to get up front l was in front of Alvin ten feet away it was amazing his encore song was ChooChooMama l saw Alvin perform at a small club met him in person and even bought him a drink l only talked for a few minutes he was such a humble and down to earth guy and a nice guy great memories to have we miss you Alvin you are one of a kind
Ten Years After has always been one of my favorite bands to listen to since I was about 10 years old and now nearing 60. I have pretty much their entire catalog either on CD or vinyl and listen to them quite often now. RIP Alvin you guys created music that still lives on.
He was a big influence for me REST IN PEACE ROCK STAR !
Those TYA albums! The energy in those songs. Even those lighter songs had it...I have the box set with about time added to complete it...Still listen to them often! Awesome!!
Thanks for posting this interview.
Alvin lee is a guitar legend superpower an original shreddar try playing as fast as he was in 60s and 70s with those ancient guitar set ups with 1/2inch guitar action good luck
where did you get that high action stuff? 335s are highly prized for their playability and tone. Ancient? Rock guitar was PERFECTED in the 60s and hasn't really changed much at all.
@@user-wd8mn8sf1j yeah where the hell did I get that , pick ups from the days of the 60s just as good as today. Pedals from the 60s just as good as today. Technology hasn't gone anywhere in all that time. Medical procedure still about the same. Sorry for not getting that the 60s was the Pinnacle of perfection for guitar and guitar set ups . Please excuse my ignorance
To one of the all-time best guitar players, ever no take me back to Alvin Lee One of the No by
Alvin wanted to play the Clarinet. That would be some kind of crazy new fad. He would have floored the world with that thing.
Ian Anderson on flute and Alvin Lee on clarinet lol that would have been a sight to behold.
i used to hade the 45 single 'love like a man; .the a side was the short studio version. the b side was the 8 min live version. you had to play the b side at 33 rpm.
I first heard TYA's "Recorded Live" when I was on a school exchange trip to France in 1976, and instantly loved it. Been a massive fan of Alvin Lee ever since. God smiled on me when I got a ticket front row centre seat for a Ten Years Later gig at the Hammersmith Odeon in 1979. The best gig I have ever been to - 2 1/2 hours of sweaty blues & rock with no pyro or gimmicks. If you listen to his solos, Alvin only had 3 or 4 different licks, but he played and combined them so well. Sad loss.
Gd story, but he had numerous licks, check out this link:
www.guitarplayer.com/artist-lessons/1026/learn-how-to-play-guitar-like-alvin-lee/25303
Miss him
His solos are the best to me I'm glad I grew up to his style and music
I got to see him once and his speed on that big red Gibson guitar was amazing. I always thought he has to be in the 10 best rock guitarist of all time.
Amazing talent!
Never under nothin . Miss him bad. Stupid people come lately, don't know bout what's been going on.
Is Alvin Lee in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? If not he should be.
Pathetically, neither Alvin nor Ten Years After has ever even been nominated for admission to the R&R Hall Of Fame. They are too busy inducting Donna Summer and The Beastie Boys to even consider AL or TYA. This and other exclusions (Johnny Winter among others) have caused me to lose respect for the H of F completely.
Fuck the rock and roll hall of horseshit. they would rather have rappers and cunts!@@MDavidG1
Goooooöd!
Love alvin R.I.P brother.