Alvin Lee’s obscurity is evidenced by only 64k views of this excellent documentary. Thanks to you I just binge watched those live performances of 1975 and 1978. What an incredible talent. Alvin Lee ranks way up there in virtuoso guitarists. Thanks for introducing him to new ears.
You're welcome. You know another player that I have a video on is Roy Buchanan and it seems nobody knows who he is either so they just pass the video by. Check it out if you get the chance! ua-cam.com/video/k6Vu8HWIiU8/v-deo.html
Wow, my first outing, fresh from the Ozarks visiting my cousin. They took me to the filmore east show. Going Home life blow my mind. Now 70 old. Thanks for the story, respect well do.
I saw Ten Years After in 1971 and they played 'I'm Goin' Home' DOUBLE TIME of the Woodstock gig. We were right up front. I saw many shows from Led Zeppelin to Jimi Hendrix and George Harrison and Ravi Shankar. Alvin Lee and his band were top notch and in fine form. Very polished and with dignity.
I saw TYA about the same time at The Warehouse (i think) in New Orleans, with Edgar Winter's White Trash. Insanely great show. Where did you see them? And, was it with Edgar Winter, as well?
Hall of Fame, as it regards to the arts, is a load of shit. Nothing more than a pissing contest. It is deepy personal, where "who's better" ain't got nuthin to do with what the individual listener/viewer likes or prefers. Complete waste of time. What some writer's opinion, who probably can't play anyway, matters not. He just has a platform to spout his thoughts.
Hearing "I'd Love to Change the World" when I was ten changed me then "Choo Choo Mamma" and "Going Home" from Woodstock blew my young mind. I got to see Alvin and son(?) as Ten Years Later in a club in Amherst Mass 35+ years ago.
Lucked out a friend called and said he was coming to Atlanta Ga His Bus came up and what a show....He loved it when we all showed him the Piece Fingers. Here we were no bodies but he put on a tramedies show for us. Damn could he blister a GUITAR.......
Going home was my favorite back in the day,,We went to see him any time they came anyway near where l lived in Northwest Washington State ,,😊 loved that band,
A couple of years ago the song The Bluest Blues seemed to appear from nowhere, Alvin recorded this with the late great George Harrison and it is absolutely brilliant. This song and Alvin's solo is one of the greatest things I've heard. That song alone should of ensured a place in the Hall of Fame, RIP Alvin & George
Yep that song is absolutely formatted perfectly the guitar playing is perfect the singing is perfect the emotion is perfect that should be one of the top 10 Blue songs of all time
Yeah, Alvin was great and Woodstock proved it . I always thought it was cool in my younger years because we both had the same name. I've just know two other Alvin's in my 68 years. I remember when he passed that we'll never have another Alvin Lee. Nor should we. Rest easy Captain Speedy Fingers. ❤️
Had the amazing fortune of being in the opening band of a TYA concert at the Grande Ballroom in Detroit in the summer of '69. My band was called Sand. Then Spooky Tooth took the stage and Ten Years After closed out the night. Got to meet all four of the band. Talk about one of the most humble greats I've ever met was Alvin Lee
I dd quite a few gigs on the same bill as Alvin, I first heard him play at the Skegness Embassy I must have been about 14 years old. He was an inspiration. I loved his finger picking al la Chet. 3 years later I had my own band, The Tea-Time 4 my pal Boz Burrell was my rhythm guitarist and then he went on to be our vocalist. We got a break when our manager became catering manager at The Marquee Club, I alway sang praises for The Jaybirds (later 10 years After) I watched Alvins career with interest. I remember them backing The Walker brothers. We often backed Elkie Brooks. Boz eventually moved over to bass and joined Bad Company, When they split Boz met up with Alvin in Spain, I often sent them chord sheets for jazz standards. I retired from the rock scene because of my heart condition and I wanted to play jazz. It amazes me that Boz, Alvin and I all had similar heart problems. Now they've gone and I'm still here living in Sleaford completely forgotten. Alvin always enjoyed playing my guitars and we had fun playing practical jokes on each other. It was disappointing that Alvin wasted so much time playing bog standard 12 bars, but that earned him mega money.
Any member of the "Thames Valley Gang" is OK in my book, Alvin, Jon Lord, Jim Capaldi, Dave Edmunds, Mick Ralphs oh, and George Harrison. Nice neighbors 🎸
I saw Ten Years After 3 or 4 times in Houston Texas. They kept coming back and I wouldn`t miss them. I am a drummer and really appreciated their energy and talent. Alvin Lee live was Awesome!
Thank you for doing this for Alvin. There will never be another Alvin! He was great and certainly deserves to be in the Hall of fame. Take one of the country artists out and put Alvin in.
When Cream broke up, I found TYA. Still my favorites. Tragic losing Alvin.I love that Alvin was a complete musician, not just a great guitarist. There's been nobody better at the gamut of skills from writing songs to producing the recordings. Thank you Alvin for so many memorable musical works.
I'm no guitarist but he has my respect! "I'd Love to Change the World" is the song that grabbed me first. I just watched the Gibson Jason Isbell collection interview (very good!) and although he loves his '59 Burst, he says his favorite guitar is his '61 335. Every show, would never give it up. Plays very fast. Well Alvin proved that. Thanks so much for these wonderful docs!
That song moved me on from my very young musical taste like Herman's Hermits and The Monkees when I saw a video of it live on my grandparents old black and white TV one day. Never turned back.
This is a treat! Alvin was awesome and so jazzy too. Incredible that he lost a headstock at The Marquee just like Pete Townshend! He made a career out of a single lick played 1,000 mph. Love his playing. I had the fortune of meeting him, talking to him and getting his autograph in the early ‘80’s in a small club in Iowa.
The only time I saw him was at Woodstock. (I grew up about fifty miles away.) About one minute into the first song, he broke a string. He said "I wish I was dead". After he restrung and regrouped, he then played the epic set including Going Home that we all have seen. I'm glad he lived a relatively long life. So many of them didn't.
Ten Years After . What can you say ? Those guys literally burned down the house. All of them were great individually and tight together. Truly miss the old timers. Alvin’s Bluest Blues is in my daily rotation.
I remember my brother getting Cricklewood Green back in 1970. I was 14 at the time, wow what an album. Still listen to it today, some of the best guitar playing ever.
I'm just a few years younger than you, but I remember Cricklewood Green being my all time favorite album in the 70s. My friends preferred to bang their heads to, say, Ted Nugent. There's a time & a place for that too, but even though I knew nothing about music, technically, I still felt like I had a little bit better taste than all the Nugent & Kiss fans. A fun fact- forgive me if you know this- but the title "Cricklewood Green" came from when Alvin & his girlfriend bought their first nice house, it included fields & a barn, and included in the sale of the house was a huge batch of marijuana grown on the property that was still hanging in the barn, drying out. It turned out to be some of the best pot they ever had- they were very big pot smokers- and since the house was in a neighborhood named Cricklewood Something-or-other, they named the pot, & the album, Cricklewood Green. There's even a picture of some of their Cricklewood Green stash that they snuck onto the album cover. Pretty cool...sorry if I rambled on a bit here, I just felt like sharing!
When i was 16 i bought the album "Rock and roll music to the world " , and when i heard " Turned off tv blues " i went to heaven. Now I'm 66 and i sometimes put my headphones on and listen to that song full blast, and the hairs on my baldy head still stand on end.
I've often wondered why Alvin &/or Ten Years After wasn't inducted into the R&R HOF. In '71, I'd fall asleep listening to A Space in Time, & the "Rest of the Best" of that year - all stacked on my turntable. Alvin Lee will ALWAYS be remembered for his versatility & speed on the guitar. RIP Alvin. Thanx RD for this memorial to a Great Musician!🎸 ⭐⭐⭐⭐👍👍
Another great mini doc. Alvin and TYA were amazing on stage and in the studio. Check out the Fillmore East 1970 show that was released years ago. Their version of Help Me is unbelievable. They were one of the best bands of that era. RIP Alvin Lee.
Yes in my opinion the best version of Help Me. Saw Alvin with the Original Ten Years After 6 times and 4 times without TYA. Alvin Lee is my favorite Blues- Rock guitarist of ALL TIME and Ten Years After is my favorite Blues-Rock band of all time.
Alvin Lee gave us so much, all of his solo records are satisfaction guaranteed without mentioning his amazing work with TYA, I was fortunate to see him a couple of times in LA alongside Eric Burdon once, it really hurt when he passed and still feel he was never given the recognition he deserved. Long live Alvin Lee “I can’t keep from crying…..”
Finally figured it out listening to this frame. Reason some of our finest musicians are not in HOF is because OUR WHOLE GENERATION of the 'greatest music ever made' was made by all; so blessed to be from our BOOMER Generation, the greatest generation ever; coolest cars & most beautiful ladies as well!!
Yep , alvin lee and rory gallagher are my favorite guitarist , both where no nonsense people who just wanted to play and didn't go for the "standard " fame and money shit , i was lucky enough to see them both live and man these guy's had an energy one stage like no other !
Seen Alvin several times in the 70's in Las Vegas while I was a young teen up into my 20's. Evertime he came to town we all went to enjoy him. Seems like he was there often. Playing at the ice palace were they would cover the ice with plywood. You went maybe with a blanket sat, got high and enjoyed. Great times alot of great bands. But Alvin always was at the top of my list. Truly miss him....
I loved all his albums...🤫Shhhh! I grew up in the BEST times for rock and roll and as a kid Alvin's playing of I'm Going Home ALWAYS and even till this day makes every hair on my body stand up! I wish I had saw him when he did play...like in(a small club) Worcester Massachusetts years ago etc. when I had the opertunity. Of course I always said..."Next Time"! I did not no he passed, I guess thats why...there has been no...Next Time! So RIP Alvin and Thanks for the memories and the 🎶 🎵 music! Thanks for highlighting my man Alvin...And Ten Years After! He died 2013? It is now 2023...And Thats 10 Years After!👍🏻😉❤ Ray...Boston Massachusetts
why isn’t that band in the Hall of Fame??? absolutely ridiculous, which is why I don’t pay attention and give a hoot about them. Got to see Alvin Lee open up, by himself, for the kinks in 1980 and I’m so glad! amazing guitar player!
Alvin, you led your life with honor and were true to yourself. Your music will forever be cherished. But those close to you, know that you were much more than your music.❤
I saw them at The Boston Tea Party in the early 70's I was blown away by Alvin Lee to the point that I wanted to be him grew my hair long and bought clogs (shoes) like him and eventually learned to play guitar I still have some of there record albums Alvin was s ooo underrated but to me he was Best guitar player that ever lived, Great video. Thanks!
I was lucky enough to see Ten Years After, I THINK it was in 1973? In Edmonton, Alberta, Canada at a large outdoor event. They were, of course, the headliners. What blew Alvin's mind... just a few seconds before they came on stage, the Northern Lights appeared within view from the stage, and he went something like... 'ooo wow... now isn't that beautiful...' It was a mesmerizing show. Absolutely magical. It made me love the band and Alvin even more than ever, and I didn't think that was ever possible. I had lost touch and hadn't heard that Alvin had passed. Today I am truly saddened. Thank you so much for this doc.
I wanted to make that show with Jethro Tull but was not very knowledgeable about them. They became my favorite band after. I still kick myself for not going
I was at a dance club once back in the early 80’s and one nite outta nowhere and no promotion or announcement the owner of the club came out (which never happened) and announced national recording artist Alvin Lee was here! I swear I could not believe I was standing less than 30 feet from Alvin Lee he had a drum machine by himself had his famous guitar and his fringe leather jacket on. I almost shit myself I could not believe I was standing just feet away from one of my idols playing “I’m going home” in his blistering fashion. To this day I still freak out about that nite it was unforgettable. I don’t believe anyone in that club knew who he was based on reactions. Someone pulled some strings that nite beside guitar strings I gotta say. Thanks ☮️
one of the of the original "shredders" totally unique one of a kind. blazing speed mixed with pure soul blues and exceptional taste. one of the very best rockers of all time. Woodstock performance with TYA legendary..
1970 I found a TenYearsAfter bootleg in a small recordshop in Hamburg. I was just 12years old but GoingHome was like a fresh breeze into my sad life in that time. It made me dance and let me feel some ecstasy for the first time! And for that I will allways think quiet thankful when I hear the name Alvin Lee. And GoingHome is still one of my top ten.
I've been an Alvin Lee fan for many years, i saw him at Pirates World in Dania, Fl, Not sure the year, i think aroung '69 or 70. I'll never forget that concert, i remember him playing I can't keep from cryin'..sometimes. What a terrific effort on that song, it gradually intensified and i'll never forget watching those lesley speakers spinning around, it was like a hurricane the way the music was, i had tingles all over my body from that performance. I'll always think of him as one of the best.
I dug Alvin so much I dropped in at Fillmore West to see him one night and the opening band was called ZZ Top. Alvi n was a man's man he let you know in every song what he was about. He wasn't shy about his beliefs and what he thought. He was always another small venue player, there are many players who were happy in smaller clubs and not headlining. There is one monster guitar player like that around today who still plays and sings live shows. His name is Rick Derringer, who I think cloud care less about the Hall. He just wants to Rock out and play his music.
Got to see him one time by surprise. I was about 17 or so, my good friend and I found out Eric Clapton was coming, we camped out for ticket, scored front row center seats. Muddy Waters was the opening act, and he was awesome, of course. Eric Clapton and his band take the stage, and there is Alvin Lee playing rhythm for Eric for a few songs, then Eric introduced him, Alvin took the lead and showed everyone who really was the best guitarist on that stage that night. At 62 what awesome memories I have of that night. "I'd Love To Change The World", and "One Of These Days" are on all of my playlists.
I saw him in Northampton in about 1968, in a club with an audience of a couple of hundred. He went into the crowd playing I'm going home, a long cable to his guitar and several roadies feeding cable out as he gave one of the most amazing performances I ever saw. Awesome!
As a teenager at start of 70s, I went to almost every concert that came through. TYA is the most memorable. Alvin came close to falling off the stage when his legs got wrapped around his guitar cord. He had such a presence and talent, I went all out on my guitar after that show and still haven't put it down. I know he inspired many young kids to play and persevere.
Ten Years After was my first concert! It was 1972 and I was a sophomore in h.s. That was the beginning of a lifetime of loving rock concerts. But you never forget your first❤
I was 16 years old when I saw Alvin and Ten Years After in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, 1970 I think. It was my first concert ever. I loved it, and went on to countless concerts in the 70s, including the famous Summer Jam at Watkins Glen in 1973, the best years of my life !
I've been a big fan of Alvin since the 60s and finally got to see him in a small theatre in Glasgow around 1998. That live gig was just as good as "Undead". He also came over as a really nice guy interacting with a little kid in the audience who was probably brought by his Grandad.
I have been a musician since 1965. In 1970 six of us went to the drive in in Washington Pa. to see the movie Woodstock. When Ten Years After came on my arms had what we called "rushes" [goosebumps] and would not go away till " I'm Goin' Home ended. Like President John F. Kennedy, I remember where I was when I heard the news that Alvin passed. I was playing "Religion" the other day on my acoustic and just came across this video tonight. Thank you and rest in peace Alvin. I hope to jam with you in rock and roll heaven. Dave Venen
I attended a Ten Years after concert in 1970, still to this day it had to be the best live performance I have ever seen. And let me tell you, they sounded exactly like the records did. Very few bands can do that.
I had the privilege of seeing Alvin play at a fairly small venue in 1983. I was a huge TYA fan and he's my main influence for wanting to learn to play lead guitar. That show was probably the most gratifying concert I ever went to. To top it off, the opening act was none other than Johnny Winter. I couldn't think straight for a week after that show because I was so blown away!! Thank you for posting this video!
Forget Woodstock and Im Goin Home...For me, the definitive TYA live song is I Cant Keep From Cryin on the Isle Of Wight Concert album...Got to see TYA numerous times in their prime...RIP ALvin, you were among the very best
My introduction to Alvin Lee was the Woodstock documentary, which I saw on PBS when I was 12 years old and just getting into guitar. I was utterly blown away and thought, "Thats exactly what I want to do." Ive been playing ever since. Thanks, Alvin. I'll never forget you.
I met a guitar tech in 2008. He was then working with Blackfoot. He didn't say what year. But said he teched for Alvin. Saying it was the worst teching job ever. Alvin would have him oil up the neck of "Big Red" each night with Baby Oil as a lubricant. As guitar lacquer matures, it can get "sticky", creating "drag". Then before each performance, Alvin would coat his hands with Baby Power (additional lubricant). Saying at the end of each night, he had to spend 90 minutes cleaning this baby oil/power "mud" residue off Big Red.
ewwwww. I know a guy who use to put baby powder on his hand and guitar neck before gigs. I can't imagine using baby oil too. This guy, his strings always sounded dead. I think it was that baby powder getting on em. Alvin probably changed his strings after every gig, but this guy I knew would play the same set for like 5 or 6 gigs before changing. Cool story thanks for sharing!!
I saw Alvin at the Tampa Jam in 1978. Absolutely amazing show which also featured Joe Cocker, the Atlanta Rhythm Section, Seals & Crofts, Black Oak Arkansas and Wet Willie. Damn life was good!!!
I got to see Alvin Lee in 10 years after back in the early 80s. They were backing up for Black Sabbath. The other interesting thing was Mick Taylor was playing with him.. At the time I wasn’t musically. mature enough to appreciate it,.
I saw him with TYA in Birmingham, AL, Boutwell Auditorium, 5/4/1973. Next to Led Zeppelin, the best concert I ever experienced. Alvin Lee was simply The Man.
I was very fortunate to see Ten Years After at the Shrine Auditorium in L.A. in 1968. They performed all of the "Undead" album, as well as other tunes I can't recall. Great band, great sound. Alvin Lee made a profound impact on myself and another guitar-playing friend, who was with me, especially with his mix of blues and jazz. It was amazing, back then, all of the bands who were up and coming, that you could see at a single show, for a mere pittance. I miss those days and the small or reasonably-sized venues and reasonably-priced tickets. Youngsters today don't know how good the late 60's and early 70's rock concert scene was, before mega groups and mega dollars had to be paid to see them. Ah, the halcyon days of yore...
Hey thanks for this RD. Alvin Lee and Ten Years After were one of the first rock bands I liked that weren't played on the radio. I'll have to take your word for the live shows as I never saw them, but my favorite studio albums by them are Crickelwood Green, Ssssh, and A Space in Time. Favorite songs include Good Morning Little School Girl, Working on the Road, and One of These Days.
I saw Ten Years After in Dayton Ohio and it was fantastic ....he was a great player and very consistent performer..loved playing, sneaking backstage during RL's drum solo for a bug puff on a doobie and some spontanious make out loving with a babe before returning right back to center stage with big red...truly a legendary character and on par with the immeasurable Johnny Winter and other such hall of shame rejects...
I saw Ten Years After in the 90s in Doncaster England and after the concert I ended up having a long talk with him. He was very humble and kind. His playing was spectacular. An underated guitarist.
This guy was playing music and doing licks in the mid to later 60s others hadn't dreamed of yet. If you're not familiar with Ten Years After, you 'll be surprised how timeless and great this music still is.
As a young boy in 1973 i loved to hear „Sindbad“, a ferrytale for children…in 1974 i got „Recorded Live“ from Frankfurt….and i was done! „Help me“ and „Slow Blues in C“ and „Cant keep from crying sometimes (Part 1 to 3) never ever left the Top Ten of my mostly beloved music!
Saw Ten Years After open for Big Brother and Janis in 1968 at the Fillmore East.. I had bought the album months before. I was the only one in the place that knew all the stuff they played. Blew the roof off...He did Going Home.. This was a year before Woodstock.. What a time that was, man.
Thank you for featuring one of the great British guitarists of all time. I was absolutely gobsmacked to learn that they toured the US more than any other UK band in the 60s & I guess early 70s. Sadly I never saw them live in the UK, probably cos they were making their way in the US of A. The Woodstock movie raised his UK profile as well for sure. They had a few hits and made Top of the Pops, but clearly they were a club band for the smaller more intimate joints where the real fans and serious blues fans got to hear him up close. He's way up there in my book, a very unfortunate way to leave us but he'll never be forgotten and he'll be frequently played in my house for ever. ❤
He was my favorite player since the late 60’s along with Ten Years After. Seen them like 4 times. The best band, hands down. There will never be another band as good. Great doc!
I saw him Frankfurt Germany 1973 It's true he was the fastest guitar player ever. He v stood there on stage nothing moving but his fingers! I was totally blown away. I saw Rory Galeger same year. Oh and Johnny Winter too. Truly blessed my ears!
Alvin Lee’s obscurity is evidenced by only 64k views of this excellent documentary. Thanks to you I just binge watched those live performances of 1975 and 1978. What an incredible talent. Alvin Lee ranks way up there in virtuoso guitarists. Thanks for introducing him to new ears.
You're welcome. You know another player that I have a video on is Roy Buchanan and it seems nobody knows who he is either so they just pass the video by. Check it out if you get the chance! ua-cam.com/video/k6Vu8HWIiU8/v-deo.html
It's Up to 112K Views!! It should be 1 Million or more!
Wow, my first outing, fresh from the Ozarks visiting my cousin. They took me to the filmore east show. Going Home life blow my mind. Now 70 old. Thanks for the story, respect well do.
Up to 177k views. Speed and style. I remember when the first album came out. I was 17. Nice documentary.
@@davido9272 Thank you. Hopefully more people will watch. I think some are starting to share it now. Thanks for your support!
Cryin' shame that Alvin isn't in the Hall of Fame! Alvin, Rory, and Johnny Winter all rate as #1 in my book! Great video!
I have videos on Rory and Johnny on the channel!
Rory: ua-cam.com/video/3nBmzeN2ky0/v-deo.html
Johnny: ua-cam.com/video/hWg9yy5Z2Lg/v-deo.html
The RnRHoF is an utter joke to real music fans. It isn't worth even mentioning anymore.
@@RiverDocs Heading over to see Johnny W. right now!!!
ALVIN, RORY,JOHNNY and PETER GREEN my favorite guitarist. Cheers.
I'm wondering what it would be like to see Alvin Lee pair up with Rory Gallagher, that would be insane, right?
Alvin Lee will always be one of the greatest guitar players ever. RIP
along with SRV, Jimi and EVH! you can clearly hear which one of them once they start their intro riffs!
ALVIN LEE- - WAS THE SWINGING - -EST - - ROCKING - EST - - DRIVING - EST GUITARIST OF THEM ALL !
Roy Clark said...hold my beer....and Alvin did and he learned some things.
Saw Alvin Lee and 10 years after in Beaumont Texas johnny and Edgar winter's hometown Probably 73-75
Finally! Someone coverd Alvin Lee. Definitely one of the best.
I saw Ten Years After in 1971 and they played 'I'm Goin' Home' DOUBLE TIME of the Woodstock gig. We were right up front. I saw many shows from Led Zeppelin to Jimi Hendrix and George Harrison and Ravi Shankar. Alvin Lee and his band were top notch and in fine form. Very polished and with dignity.
I saw TYA about the same time at The Warehouse (i think) in New Orleans, with Edgar Winter's White Trash. Insanely great show.
Where did you see them? And, was it with Edgar Winter, as well?
His playing was unparalleled, one of the greats.
Roy Clark was better and Alvin admitted this.
Alvin, J.Winter,Rory G,Ronnie Montrose , Trower all underrated and overlooked, r&r hall of fame means nothing to me!
Trower ❤❤❤ is a maniac one of my favorite.
MONSTROSE WAS BAD TOO! "ROCK CANDY"!
Hall of Fame, as it regards to the arts, is a load of shit. Nothing more than a pissing contest. It is deepy personal, where "who's better" ain't got nuthin to do with what the individual listener/viewer likes or prefers. Complete waste of time. What some writer's opinion, who probably can't play anyway, matters not. He just has a platform to spout his thoughts.
I stopped taking the R&R HOF seriously decades ago. Call it the music HOF but certainly not the R&R one.
@@marcribaudo1965 AND A LOT OF IT ISN'T EVEN MUSIC.
That guitar solo on I’d love to Change the World blows me away every time!
If you are new listening to him, you find out a lot of great performances
That whole album is a masterpiece.
@@Seth-b6i I will revisit it.
Alvin is one of my fav players of all time! He always amazes me
Alvin Lee is one of the most UNDERRATED guitar players of all time !!!!!!!!!!
😂😂
Frank Marino do you know who he is probably no that how under the radar that cat is amazing guitarist
Alvin’s performance at Woodstock was absolutely epic. To this day I don’t know how many times I have gone back and listen to that. God rest
Santana tied Alvin Lee's performance at Woodstick.
Hearing "I'd Love to Change the World" when I was ten changed me then "Choo Choo Mamma" and "Going Home" from Woodstock blew my young mind.
I got to see Alvin and son(?) as Ten Years Later in a club in Amherst Mass 35+ years ago.
This was a tremendous tribute to an extremely talented guitar player. I had no idea the real story of Alvin Lee thank you I enjoyed it immensely.
Lucked out a friend called and said he was coming to Atlanta Ga His Bus came up and what a show....He loved it when we all showed him the Piece Fingers. Here we were no bodies but he put on a tramedies show for us. Damn could he blister a GUITAR.......
Alvin Lee and ten years after was one of my favorite bands as a kid!!
And Johnny 1971 and Winter live! And Rory Gallagher's blueprint.
@@JamesMiller-q9w ✌️♥️🎸
Going home was my favorite back in the day,,We went to see him any time they came anyway near where l lived in Northwest Washington State ,,😊 loved that band,
As many times as I’ve watched Woodstock…10 yrs after is still the high lite for me…RIP Alvin Lee…🎸🙏
A couple of years ago the song The Bluest Blues seemed to appear from nowhere, Alvin recorded this with the late great George Harrison and it is absolutely brilliant. This song and Alvin's solo is one of the greatest things I've heard. That song alone should of ensured a place in the Hall of Fame, RIP Alvin & George
As a long-term Alvin fan that one blew me away also.
No shit.
I agree wholeheartedly.
I'll second the agree.
Yep that song is absolutely formatted perfectly the guitar playing is perfect the singing is perfect the emotion is perfect that should be one of the top 10 Blue songs of all time
Yeah, Alvin was great and Woodstock proved it . I always thought it was cool in my younger years
because we both had the same name.
I've just know two other Alvin's in my 68 years.
I remember when he passed that we'll never have another Alvin Lee. Nor should we.
Rest easy Captain Speedy Fingers. ❤️
His Woodstock show was absolutely epic. He had his own brand of guitar and voice.He made the big time.
Woodstock? His riffs were lound and agressive and in your face!
Had the amazing fortune of being in the opening band of a TYA concert at the Grande Ballroom in Detroit in the summer of '69. My band was called Sand. Then Spooky Tooth took the stage and Ten Years After closed out the night. Got to meet all four of the band. Talk about one of the most humble greats I've ever met was Alvin Lee
Great story. Thanks for sharing!
I dd quite a few gigs on the same bill as Alvin, I first heard him play at the Skegness Embassy I must have been about 14 years old. He was an inspiration. I loved his finger picking al la Chet. 3 years later I had my own band, The Tea-Time 4 my pal Boz Burrell was my rhythm guitarist and then he went on to be our vocalist. We got a break when our manager became catering manager at The Marquee Club, I alway sang praises for The Jaybirds (later 10 years After) I watched Alvins career with interest. I remember them backing The Walker brothers. We often backed Elkie Brooks. Boz eventually moved over to bass and joined Bad Company, When they split Boz met up with Alvin in Spain, I often sent them chord sheets for jazz standards. I retired from the rock scene because of my heart condition and I wanted to play jazz. It amazes me that Boz, Alvin and I all had similar heart problems. Now they've gone and I'm still here living in Sleaford completely forgotten. Alvin always enjoyed playing my guitars and we had fun playing practical jokes on each other. It was disappointing that Alvin wasted so much time playing bog standard 12 bars, but that earned him mega money.
Any member of the "Thames Valley Gang" is OK in my book, Alvin, Jon Lord, Jim Capaldi, Dave Edmunds, Mick Ralphs oh, and George Harrison. Nice neighbors 🎸
Thanks for that history, Bernard. ❤
@@cuda426hemi Winwood & Page were also neighbors.
I met Boz in80s London ....Mike Patto jnr jnew him well
I saw Ten Years After 3 or 4 times in Houston Texas. They kept coming back and I wouldn`t miss them. I am a drummer and really appreciated their energy and talent. Alvin Lee live was Awesome!
I saw them in Lomg Beach Ca around 1970. It was an incredible concert. Open seating so I was able to walk up to the stage and watch.
Leo Lyons and Ric Lee also.
bravo ! their energy is what i love , how they build a song .
Oh, Alvin Lee IS in the hall of fame.
The one that matters
Stood in front of him in awe many times in our local dance hall in the early sixties.They were the Jaybirds then,only a trio but brilliant.
I would have given anything to see the jaybirds you are one lucky person
Yes I suppose so though it didn't seen like it at the time.They were just another local group,though head and shoulders above the rest.
Thank you for doing this for Alvin. There will never be another Alvin! He was great and certainly deserves to be in the Hall of fame. Take one of the country artists out and put Alvin in.
Rapcrap you mean
he was too manly for the worldly hall of fame deciders...they didnt like dikes and fairies......
When Cream broke up, I found TYA. Still my favorites. Tragic losing Alvin.I love that Alvin was a complete musician, not just a great guitarist. There's been nobody better at the gamut of skills from writing songs to producing the recordings. Thank you Alvin for so many memorable musical works.
I'm no guitarist but he has my respect! "I'd Love to Change the World" is the song that grabbed me first. I just watched the Gibson Jason Isbell collection interview (very good!) and although he loves his '59 Burst, he says his favorite guitar is his '61 335. Every show, would never give it up. Plays very fast. Well Alvin proved that. Thanks so much for these wonderful docs!
That song moved me on from my very young musical taste like Herman's Hermits and The Monkees when I saw a video of it live on my grandparents old black and white TV one day.
Never turned back.
Their best
Self taught. Such an amazing musician. RIP Guitar Man. ✌️❤️🤘
This is a treat! Alvin was awesome and so jazzy too. Incredible that he lost a headstock at The Marquee just like Pete Townshend! He made a career out of a single lick played 1,000 mph. Love his playing. I had the fortune of meeting him, talking to him and getting his autograph in the early ‘80’s in a small club in Iowa.
Did he dot the eye with a little circle like he did with my autograph in San Francisco
@@james-le2rs Sadly I lost that autograph many years ago so I don’t remember.
Small club in Iowa is an obscure place to meet Alvin Lee.
@@Chiller11 Absolutely; he was very nice and approachable too.
I gotta' get over to Iowa one of these days. 🤔
The whole band was killer! They had that one foot in British jazz much like Cream.
Slade was better.
WOODCHOPPER COOKS!
Before even watching this I can say his performance at Woodstock was sensational. Stole the show.
Santana's performance at Woodstock was slightly better.
The only time I saw him was at Woodstock. (I grew up about fifty miles away.) About one minute into the first song, he broke a string. He said "I wish I was dead". After he restrung and regrouped, he then played the epic set including Going Home that we all have seen. I'm glad he lived a relatively long life. So many of them didn't.
I would love to see that blooper clip of his string breaking.
Ten Years After . What can you say ?
Those guys literally burned down the house. All of them were great individually and tight together.
Truly miss the old timers.
Alvin’s Bluest Blues is in my daily rotation.
Albert Lee 0:56 loved him too
I'd love to change the world....
I love the song I'd Love To Change The World. One of my top 10 songs of all time. Exquisite, simply smoldering and lyrics that tell a great story.
I remember my brother getting Cricklewood Green back in 1970. I was 14 at the time, wow what an album. Still listen to it today, some of the best guitar playing ever.
I'm just a few years younger than you, but I remember Cricklewood Green being my all time favorite album in the 70s. My friends preferred to bang their heads to, say, Ted Nugent. There's a time & a place for that too, but even though I knew nothing about music, technically, I still felt like I had a little bit better taste than all the Nugent & Kiss fans. A fun fact- forgive me if you know this- but the title "Cricklewood Green" came from when Alvin & his girlfriend bought their first nice house, it included fields & a barn, and included in the sale of the house was a huge batch of marijuana grown on the property that was still hanging in the barn, drying out. It turned out to be some of the best pot they ever had- they were very big pot smokers- and since the house was in a neighborhood named Cricklewood Something-or-other, they named the pot, & the album, Cricklewood Green. There's even a picture of some of their Cricklewood Green stash that they snuck onto the album cover. Pretty cool...sorry if I rambled on a bit here, I just felt like sharing!
I too still listen to Cricklewood Green.
My brother got Ssssshhhh when I was 12, blew me away, fan ever since.
Alvin Lee was one of my Idols one of the greatest bad ass players of all time
When i was 16 i bought the album "Rock and roll music to the world " , and when i heard " Turned off tv blues " i went to heaven. Now I'm 66 and i sometimes put my headphones on and listen to that song full blast, and the hairs on my baldy head still stand on end.
I've often wondered why Alvin &/or Ten Years After wasn't inducted into the R&R HOF. In '71, I'd fall asleep listening to A Space in Time, & the "Rest of the Best" of that year - all stacked on my turntable. Alvin Lee will ALWAYS be remembered for his versatility & speed on the guitar. RIP Alvin. Thanx RD for this memorial to a Great Musician!🎸 ⭐⭐⭐⭐👍👍
Another great mini doc. Alvin and TYA were amazing on stage and in the studio.
Check out the Fillmore East 1970 show that was released years ago. Their version of Help Me is unbelievable. They were one of the best bands of that era. RIP Alvin Lee.
Yes in my opinion the best version of Help Me. Saw Alvin with the Original Ten Years After 6 times and 4 times without TYA. Alvin Lee is my favorite Blues- Rock guitarist of ALL TIME and Ten Years After is my favorite Blues-Rock band of all time.
@@tyayasgur It must be outstanding, the version of it on "Recorded Live" is quite good! I'll have to check it out.
One of my guitar heroes! Thank you for this beautiful video! ✌
Glad you enjoyed it!
From Australia , the great ALVIN LEE , greatest guitar player in the history of the world , Peace from down under.
Alvin Lee gave us so much, all of his solo records are satisfaction guaranteed without mentioning his amazing work with TYA, I was fortunate to see him a couple of times in LA alongside Eric Burdon once, it really hurt when he passed and still feel he was never given the recognition he deserved. Long live Alvin Lee “I can’t keep from crying…..”
There's not a more rocking' song than Ten Years After Choo Choo Mama! It's a travesty that they are not in the HOF.
RIP Alvin
The Great Alvin Lee
⚡️🎸⚡️
my guitar hero
♥️♥️♥️
thanks for the video, Doc!
Finally figured it out listening to this frame. Reason some of our finest musicians are not in HOF is because OUR WHOLE GENERATION of the 'greatest music ever made' was made by all; so blessed to be from our BOOMER Generation, the greatest generation ever; coolest cars & most beautiful ladies as well!!
Yep , alvin lee and rory gallagher are my favorite guitarist , both where no nonsense people who just wanted to play and didn't go for the "standard " fame and money shit , i was lucky enough to see them both live and man these guy's had an energy one stage like no other !
TRULY AMAZING GUITAR 🎸 PLAYER JUST THEN BLOODY WOW 👌 👏 😍
I`ve seen Alvin at least ten times. Live the guy had so much energy blowing that great guitar sound right in your face.
I saw Ten Years After in April the year ofWoodstock, and couldn’t believe what I was seeing.became a fan after that
I was lucky enough to get to see Ten Years After four different times back in the 70's. There are still one of my favorite bands of all time.
The first time l heard Love like a Man, l was a fan of T.Y.A. Alvin Lee was a good man and very influential in my life!
Seen Alvin several times in the 70's in Las Vegas while I was a young teen up into my 20's.
Evertime he came to town we all went to enjoy him. Seems like he was there often.
Playing at the ice palace were they would cover the ice with plywood.
You went maybe with a blanket sat, got high and enjoyed.
Great times alot of great bands. But Alvin always was at the top of my list.
Truly miss him....
I loved all his albums...🤫Shhhh!
I grew up in the BEST times for rock and roll and as a kid Alvin's playing of I'm Going Home ALWAYS and even till this day makes every hair on my body stand up! I wish I had saw him when he did play...like in(a small club) Worcester Massachusetts years ago etc. when I had the opertunity. Of course I always said..."Next Time"! I did not no he passed, I guess thats why...there has been no...Next Time! So RIP Alvin and Thanks for the memories and the 🎶 🎵 music!
Thanks for highlighting my man Alvin...And Ten Years After! He died 2013? It is now 2023...And Thats 10 Years After!👍🏻😉❤
Ray...Boston Massachusetts
why isn’t that band in the Hall of Fame??? absolutely ridiculous, which is why I don’t pay attention and give a hoot about them. Got to see Alvin Lee open up, by himself, for the kinks in 1980 and I’m so glad! amazing guitar player!
Alvin, you led your life with honor and were true to yourself. Your music will forever be cherished. But those close to you, know that you were much more than your music.❤
I saw them at The Boston Tea Party in the early 70's I was blown away by Alvin Lee to the point that I wanted to be him grew my hair long and bought clogs (shoes) like him and eventually learned to play guitar I still have some of there record albums Alvin was s ooo underrated but to me he was Best guitar player that ever lived, Great video. Thanks!
Hes one of my favorites its sad today people seem to forget him it really makes me mad
I was lucky enough to see Ten Years After, I THINK it was in 1973? In Edmonton, Alberta, Canada at a large outdoor event. They were, of course, the headliners. What blew Alvin's mind... just a few seconds before they came on stage, the Northern Lights appeared within view from the stage, and he went something like... 'ooo wow... now isn't that beautiful...' It was a mesmerizing show. Absolutely magical. It made me love the band and Alvin even more than ever, and I didn't think that was ever possible. I had lost touch and hadn't heard that Alvin had passed. Today I am truly saddened. Thank you so much for this doc.
I wanted to make that show with Jethro Tull but was not very knowledgeable about them. They became my favorite band after. I still kick myself for not going
I was at a dance club once back in the early 80’s and one nite outta nowhere and no promotion or announcement the owner of the club came out (which never happened) and announced national recording artist Alvin Lee was here! I swear I could not believe I was standing less than 30 feet from Alvin Lee he had a drum machine by himself had his famous guitar and his fringe leather jacket on. I almost shit myself I could not believe I was standing just feet away from one of my idols playing “I’m going home” in his blistering fashion. To this day I still freak out about that nite it was unforgettable. I don’t believe anyone in that club knew who he was based on reactions. Someone pulled some strings that nite beside guitar strings I gotta say. Thanks ☮️
one of the of the original "shredders" totally unique one of a kind. blazing speed mixed with pure soul blues and exceptional taste.
one of the very best rockers of all time.
Woodstock performance with TYA legendary..
I work overseas, every time I come home for vacation I play his Woodstock version of I'm Goin Home. Been doing it for years and it never gets old.
1970 I found a TenYearsAfter bootleg in a small recordshop in Hamburg. I was just 12years old but GoingHome was like a fresh breeze into my sad life in that time. It made me dance and let me feel some ecstasy for the first time! And for that I will allways think quiet thankful when I hear the name Alvin Lee. And GoingHome is still one of my top ten.
I've been an Alvin Lee fan for many years, i saw him at Pirates World in Dania, Fl, Not sure the year, i think aroung '69 or 70. I'll never forget that concert, i remember him playing I can't keep from cryin'..sometimes. What a terrific effort on that song, it gradually intensified and i'll never forget watching those lesley speakers spinning around, it was like a hurricane the way the music was, i had tingles all over my body from that performance. I'll always think of him as one of the best.
I dug Alvin so much I dropped in at Fillmore West to see him one night and the opening band was called ZZ Top. Alvi n was a man's man he let you know in every song what he was about. He wasn't shy about his beliefs and what he thought. He was always another small venue player, there are many players who were happy in smaller clubs and not headlining. There is one monster guitar player like that around today who still plays and sings live shows. His name is Rick Derringer, who I think cloud care less about the Hall. He just wants to Rock out and play his music.
Got to see him one time by surprise. I was about 17 or so, my good friend and I found out Eric Clapton was coming, we camped out for ticket, scored front row center seats. Muddy Waters was the opening act, and he was awesome, of course. Eric Clapton and his band take the stage, and there is Alvin Lee playing rhythm for Eric for a few songs, then Eric introduced him, Alvin took the lead and showed everyone who really was the best guitarist on that stage that night. At 62 what awesome memories I have of that night. "I'd Love To Change The World", and "One Of These Days" are on all of my playlists.
I saw him in Northampton in about 1968, in a club with an audience of a couple of hundred.
He went into the crowd playing I'm going home, a long cable to his guitar and several roadies feeding cable out as he gave one of the most amazing performances I ever saw.
Awesome!
As a teenager at start of 70s, I went to almost every concert that came through. TYA is the most memorable. Alvin came close to falling off the stage when his legs got wrapped around his guitar cord. He had such a presence and talent, I went all out on my guitar after that show and still haven't put it down. I know he inspired many young kids to play and persevere.
Thanks for sharing your story!
Alvin Lee was amazing
Ten Years After was my first concert! It was 1972 and I was a sophomore in h.s. That was the beginning of a lifetime of loving rock concerts. But you never forget your first❤
Saw 10 Years After at Woodstock ‘69.
Energy, skill, amazement at his blistering speed…I’ll never forget it!
I was 16 years old when I saw Alvin and Ten Years After in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, 1970 I think. It was my first concert ever. I loved it, and went on to countless concerts in the 70s, including the famous Summer Jam at Watkins Glen in 1973, the best years of my life !
Best engineered albums too boot! Space in Time , one song fit into the next......Alvin has always been one of my top favorites.
I've been a big fan of Alvin since the 60s and finally got to see him in a small theatre in Glasgow around 1998.
That live gig was just as good as "Undead".
He also came over as a really nice guy interacting with a little kid in the audience who was probably brought by his Grandad.
I have been a musician since 1965.
In 1970 six of us went to the drive in in Washington Pa. to see the movie Woodstock.
When Ten Years After came on my arms had what we called "rushes" [goosebumps] and would not go away till " I'm Goin' Home ended.
Like President John F. Kennedy, I remember where I was when I heard the news that Alvin passed.
I was playing "Religion" the other day on my acoustic and just came across this video tonight.
Thank you and rest in peace Alvin. I hope to jam with you in rock and roll heaven.
Dave Venen
I attended a Ten Years after concert in 1970, still to this day it had to be the best live performance I have ever seen. And let me tell you, they sounded exactly like the records did. Very few bands can do that.
My only real experience with Alvin Lee was that Woodstock performance, but he left me fully amazed. I never forgot his name.🎸🎶
I had the privilege of seeing Alvin play at a fairly small venue in 1983. I was a huge TYA fan and he's my main influence for wanting to learn to play lead guitar. That show was probably the most gratifying concert I ever went to. To top it off, the opening act was none other than Johnny Winter. I couldn't think straight for a week after that show because I was so blown away!!
Thank you for posting this video!
My wife and I saw Alvin Lee at a small club in Benzonia, Michigan in 1983. He put on an absolutely fantastic show!
Forget Woodstock and Im Goin Home...For me, the definitive TYA live song is I Cant Keep From Cryin on the Isle Of Wight Concert album...Got to see TYA numerous times in their prime...RIP ALvin, you were among the very best
My all time favorite guitarist throughout the seventies!! He was AMAZING!!!
My introduction to Alvin Lee was the Woodstock documentary, which I saw on PBS when I was 12 years old and just getting into guitar. I was utterly blown away and thought, "Thats exactly what I want to do." Ive been playing ever since. Thanks, Alvin. I'll never forget you.
I met a guitar tech in 2008. He was then working with Blackfoot. He didn't say what year. But said he teched for Alvin. Saying it was the worst teching job ever. Alvin would have him oil up the neck of "Big Red" each night with Baby Oil as a lubricant. As guitar lacquer matures, it can get "sticky", creating "drag". Then before each performance, Alvin would coat his hands with Baby Power (additional lubricant). Saying at the end of each night, he had to spend 90 minutes cleaning this baby oil/power "mud" residue off Big Red.
ewwwww. I know a guy who use to put baby powder on his hand and guitar neck before gigs. I can't imagine using baby oil too. This guy, his strings always sounded dead. I think it was that baby powder getting on em. Alvin probably changed his strings after every gig, but this guy I knew would play the same set for like 5 or 6 gigs before changing.
Cool story thanks for sharing!!
You can see the powder in the photos of big red! Thanks for sharing that great story!
I saw Alvin at the Tampa Jam in 1978. Absolutely amazing show which also featured Joe Cocker, the Atlanta Rhythm Section, Seals & Crofts, Black Oak Arkansas and Wet Willie. Damn life was good!!!
Alvin Lee and 10 years after was and is one of my favorite Bands of all time. Alvin should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame without any DOUGHT
I got to see Alvin Lee in 10 years after back in the early 80s.
They were backing up for Black Sabbath.
The other interesting thing was Mick Taylor was playing with him..
At the time I wasn’t musically. mature enough to appreciate it,.
I loved his show at Woodstock!
I saw him with TYA in Birmingham, AL, Boutwell Auditorium, 5/4/1973. Next to Led Zeppelin, the best concert I ever experienced. Alvin Lee was simply The Man.
I was very fortunate to see Ten Years After at the Shrine Auditorium in L.A. in 1968.
They performed all of the "Undead" album, as well as other tunes I can't recall. Great band, great sound. Alvin Lee made a profound impact on myself and another guitar-playing friend, who was with me, especially with his mix of blues and jazz. It was amazing, back then, all of the bands who were up and coming, that you could see at a single show, for a mere pittance. I miss those days and the small or reasonably-sized venues and reasonably-priced tickets. Youngsters today don't know how good the late 60's and early 70's rock concert scene was, before mega groups and mega dollars had to be paid to see them. Ah, the halcyon days of yore...
Hey thanks for this RD. Alvin Lee and Ten Years After were one of the first rock bands I liked that weren't played on the radio. I'll have to take your word for the live shows as I never saw them, but my favorite studio albums by them are Crickelwood Green, Ssssh, and A Space in Time. Favorite songs include Good Morning Little School Girl, Working on the Road, and One of These Days.
You're welcome. Appreciate you watching!
I saw Ten Years After in Dayton Ohio and it was fantastic ....he was a great player and very consistent performer..loved playing, sneaking backstage during RL's drum solo for a bug puff on a doobie and some spontanious make out loving with a babe before returning right back to center stage with big red...truly a legendary character and on par with the immeasurable Johnny Winter and other such hall of shame rejects...
I saw Ten Years After in the 90s in Doncaster England and after the concert I ended up having a long talk with him. He was very humble and kind. His playing was spectacular. An underated guitarist.
This guy was playing music and doing licks in the mid to later 60s others hadn't dreamed of yet. If you're not familiar with Ten Years After, you 'll be surprised how timeless and great this music still is.
As a young boy in 1973 i loved to hear „Sindbad“, a ferrytale for children…in 1974 i got „Recorded Live“ from Frankfurt….and i was done! „Help me“ and „Slow Blues in C“ and „Cant keep from crying sometimes (Part 1 to 3) never ever left the Top Ten of my mostly beloved music!
Always loved his voice. Great band. Great music. RIP Alvin.
The live at the Fillmore double cd is one of the best live concerts ever recorded.
Saw Ten Years After open for Big Brother and Janis in 1968 at the Fillmore East.. I had bought the album months before. I was the only one in the place that knew all the stuff they played. Blew the roof off...He did Going Home.. This was a year before Woodstock.. What a time that was, man.
Thank you for featuring one of the great British guitarists of all time. I was absolutely gobsmacked to learn that they toured the US more than any other UK band in the 60s & I guess early 70s.
Sadly I never saw them live in the UK, probably cos they were making their way in the US of A.
The Woodstock movie raised his UK profile as well for sure. They had a few hits and made Top of the Pops, but clearly they were a club band for the smaller more intimate joints where the real fans and serious blues fans got to hear him up close.
He's way up there in my book, a very unfortunate way to leave us but he'll never be forgotten and he'll be frequently played in my house for ever. ❤
The man was an amazing player, even the acoustic stuff was great
I had the pleasure of seeing him live at the 1968 Newport Pop Festival. I especially remember the song I’m going home, I was 12 years old.
He was my favorite player since the late 60’s along with Ten Years After. Seen them like 4 times. The best band, hands down. There will never be another band as good. Great doc!
An incredible musician and I didn’t know he wasn’t in the rock and roll hall of fame,then they should tear it down
You could make another R&R hall of fame and fill it with artists who are not in the joke of a "Hall of Fame" that is in Cleveland.
I saw him Frankfurt Germany 1973
It's true he was the fastest guitar player ever. He v stood there on stage nothing moving but his fingers! I was totally blown away. I saw Rory Galeger same year. Oh and Johnny Winter too. Truly blessed my ears!