When I found out he left us I was parked in my car and cried for about an hour like a child who had just lost his father. There will never be a guitar player like.him. He was a humble genius and I hope he visits us again from that beautiful planet he came from.
I'll be honest, his passing really affected me and even tho i'm just a 27 year old dude.. I've been listening to his music since i was 16 First time i heard him was on Planet X's Quantum album in the track Desert Girl I swear, first time i heard his solo, i got shivers throughout my brain Life went on and i've been thru alot of hardships that made me exponentially detached as years went on One of the only few things to this day that still manages to get me to the core is listening to Allan Holdsworth I know this might not mean anything to any of those who will read this comment but for me it's something huge Rest in Peace and long live Allan's spirit
After Charlie Parker died people started leaving graffiti around New York: BIRD LIVES. There are only a handful of musicians who could stand next to Charlie Parker. Allan is one of them. HOLDSWORTH LIVES
It makes me sad to know that Holdsworth struggled financially and occasionally sold equipment to make ends meet! The greatest guitar player ever shouldn't have had financial problems, just like CR7 or Beyonce do not have money problems... Something is wrong on the planet ..
being a genius pioneer is usually not rewarded ~ this is nothing new At least he was middle class for most of his life. I think Lenny Breau suffered more Cool to see him with Steve Hunt, I only saw him as trio.
saw him 14 times and met him twice , once for about 20 minutes. He was a very nice humble man. I told him how many times I saw him perform and what venues I saw him at. I told him the solo in rukukah was pure genius and how much I enjoy his music. I was blessed to have seen him so often and am so sad at his passing. His music will live on.....
That he died 12 days after making this music is beyond what my heart can hold. One of the comments called him the "humble genius". That is perfect for me. Robben Ford has said: "I think Allan Holdsworth is the John Coltrane of the guitar. I don't think anyone can do as much with the guitar as Allan Holdsworth can." Bless his beautiful heart.
Possibly the last video recording of this Genius! Rest In peace Allan.. i always thought u came from another planet....looks like youve gone back home! thanks for the music.
I never heard any song that have this kind of drums dinamics like this. Donati is the very best drumer of the world today. Its very sad that Allan Holdsworth die, because his music, guitar sound, improvising, technique, armonics and alucination melodies, are amazing.
"dynamics" and he has very little. There is no best. I'm guessing you can only name about 3. Gary Husband is much more "Dynamic" of a "Drummer" on the same material. Virgil is loud and over plays and interferes with the grooves to much.
@@morbidmanmusic Yeah, agreed. Donati is a bit of a pounder, and sounds (to me) like a metal drummer who outgrew metal (a good thing). But Holdsworth is a different caliber player. Gary Husband is a deep player, and also plays keys well enough to have toured with John McLaughlin and others purely as a keyboard player. A rather astonishing talent. Many who praise Donati have never heard Husband with Holdsworth. Or Gary Novak, who brought way more dimension to Holdsworth's music than Donati could.
Omg... I couldn't stop the tears during Allan's solo. I just can't believe he's gone. I realize this was Allan at his least blazing, but god his tone and phrasing is still better than anyone. You could clearly feel Virgil giving Allan everything he's got, just the way Allan would have wanted it. Great to hear the beautiful Steve Hunt gracefully flying with him again. I'm going to miss Allan so much...
Loved that guy. His music made my life much richer. So happy he never faced a time when he became unable to do that. RIP dear fellow. I cannot thank you enough and today is a sad day.
My Prayers to his family, will there ever be another, ?, unlikely, emulations sure. You'll love this quick story, back in the 90's I saw Holdsworth play at Char's in Tempe, AZ. and for you older rockers from the 80's like me, anyway Ronnie Montrose opened up for Holdsworth, after Ronnie's set I was at the bar buying a frosty beverage and Ronnie Montrose walked to buy a frosty beverage also, so I bought his drink and gave him kudos on the set, and asked him what he thought about holdsworth's playing, and with a straight face he looked at me with all sincerity and said that his playing truly gives him NIGHTMARES. Miss ya Allan, and Ronnie
Most people had no idea what he was really about. It was not so much about the insane chops, insanely unique technique, the insanely innovative unique sound that so many tried to copy but it was about the harmonic depth of the improvised melodic line. There is no one nor will there be anyone in my lifetime, no guitarist who could improvise with that depth without repeating himself and playing licks. There is an incredible difference. It is something that is unobtainable for the rest of us mortals. There are plenty of folks out there with insane facility and interesting ideas but there is no equal in the world of guitar when it comes to the depth of the improvised line, none. If we listen with our ears, over & over, and not with our eyes, we can get a glimpse of the deep harmonic colors of his improv. Yes, Stravinsky, Bartok, Brecker, Coltrane, all influences and no one even comes close on the instrument of guitar. What a beautiful soul.
Sir Allan Holdsworth to me was a university of music on his own. Completely unique. It's Hildegard von Bingen mixed with Coltrane, late Stravinsky and something from the Holdsworth planet. I feel privileged to have seen him perform twice in The Netherlands. Wonderful musician who brought a jewel to the world of music from a distant planet. Thank you for your music Allan Holdsworth!! Rest in Peace..
He was fantastic player and composer its a shame he didnt get the recognition he deserved on his legacy, this two years we had great lost with several masters lyle mays, jimmy cobb,,chic korea, glen campbell god bless their music.thanks for this video
Saw him first with Tony Williams in maybe 1976 at his last gig with him, he was fired the next day. I was blown away by his style. I was like " who is this guy". Been following him ever since. Hurt very much by his passing. Saw him live at the AMAC in 2006. My wife was hooked we were in the front row not 10 feet from him. She never could understand why I listened to him. After that concert she got it. She said she could listen to him all day.
My favourite guitarist of all time. I was him in the tiny cellar bar at South Hill Park Arts Centre in Bracknell many times. A wonderful truly original player.
Charlie Parker used to be the gold standard for improvisational innovators. Allan is the reigning gold standard. He invented a new school of guitar playing, and he was/is the Guitar Hero of most Guitar Heroes on planet Earth. Thank you, MrEtodaG, for this historical record...and give it up for the other great musicians recorded here.
I first heard him with Tony Williams on a song called RED ALERT, needless to say it blow my mind, I was playing jazz fusion at the time but this guy was off the charts, I’ve been influenced by his playing ever since, I cried when I found out of his passing, I know I’ll see you again brother.
He was the best guitarist of the 20th and 21st century , there will not be someone like him ever again ,his music completely changed the way I perceive music and I'm so thankful for that , I was about to give up on music till I discovered him .
Allan never stole the spotlight in his gigs, always letting his bandmates spread out. More than any other musician we've lost in the last 10 years or so this one hurts the most--Allan was a true giant. We are so fortunate to have the musical legacy he has left us...another life cut far too short. So nice, he finished that one with a smile. RIP, Allan.
I cry when I hear Allan's whaling solos or Jacos identifiable tone. Music is so powerful! Try listening to his awesome solos on any UK album and not get moved !
Thanks for this. I saw him live in Melbourne in the 90's. Guitar God we are not worthy. May you be resting in peace. How valuable to see this just days before he passed. 🙏
I've been playing Allan videos for the last few days, and to me, he clicked most with Chad Wackerman and Jimmy Johnson. The Tokyo '84 DVD was the pinnacle of the lot. I most enjoyed his playing on Bruford - One Of A Kind, and the the first UK record. great tunes that really showcased his talent.
l like many others on here was lucky enough to see Allan in fact it was in 93 Manchester UK at The band on the Wall venue.This is a very intimate venue where you are up close and personal with the artists. l remember him there having a beer afterwards stood in the crowd only a few feet away.I have followed him since his Soft Machine days seen loads of his stuff on here like we all have.I was thinking only the other day, he would be here for many years to come still and looked forwards to what lay ahead. Sadly his passing has left a void, he was unique so let's remember him for just that. Allan Hodsworth guitarist composer genius RIP Sir
Saw him at BOW too! He played that venue a few times in 80/90s. All the musos would have a bevvy at that little Victorian Bar. They changed the place now - Grr.
I hope the music industry pays trbute to this man of melody. His uncompromising approach to music is timeless and for those who listened.... rewarding in so many ways. Allan was above his so called lack of recognition. It shows he was on another plane of existence and his intentions were purely organic. I admire his blazing path. We is simply the BEST GUITARIST OF ALL TIME to me. He is smiling at the love you all are sharing. Thank you for posting this last show. They shredded eloquently regardless of being such MONSTERS. Cheers to Allan Holdsworth. Darryl Johnson Panco from led zepplica
I was fortunate enough to have seen him play live over 20+ concerts since 1981. A truly nice person as well. RIP, Allan...there will never be another like you.
I like when in Allan's videos most of the comments are positive, telling stories, arguing techniques, story's about musicianship, and so long, so, all hands down to the great Maestro in one of the most exciting genres of all time: rock and his variety. Even at the end of the video I'm cheering up and going happy.
Here's a fact. Allan had flat out refused to allow any video for these shows. Not just for people like me, even Virgil was told "no". He had agreed to allow us to shoot the July shows in New York though. So a week ago I would have cursed whoever uploaded this for not respecting Allan's wishes. But now I am ridiculously grateful. I was sitting a few seats to the right of whoever shot this, and it was an absolutely extraordinary night. Allan was as good or better than he had ever been.
I'm so sad about Allan's passing, but in a way am happy that he was playing pretty much up to the end. He will be missed by far fewer people than he deserves.
Um, not sure what you mean. Allan despised people videoing him and he hated the bootleg audio recordings that got made. He eventually gave up trying to stop it, but he was never happy about it.
Oh, I never agreed with his views on this. I wanted every second he ever played to be recorded, and I cherish every bootleg that exists. However for these shows he was nervous because he hadn't played live for over two years, hence he was absolutely adamant about "no video' and so we all tried to enforce his wishes. It was our hope that if we let him get his way for these shows he would be more agreeable about taping the shows that were scheduled for July of 2017. The family has since asked me to try and collect all the bootlegs and I have now received audio and video from collectors all over the world as a result. The family is looking into releasing the best of them as 'authorized boots". (That's NOT a confirmed plan however).
I've seen him play twice,..in San Francisco,...and the room was completely quiet each time,...all eye's were focused on him giving us the truth,..LOVE always Mr. Holdsworth,...from San Francisco. Mel.
An absolute total mindblower! I'm as sad as everyone else. I first became aware of Allan when he was playing with Jon Hiseman's Tempest around 72/73. I was a fledgling guitarist who didn't have a clue what Allan was doing.......but I loved his playing. He also played violin on that Tempest album and you could immediately tell where he got his awesome vibrato from. I had a guitar player friend from Philadelphia, Ronnie Gentile, who I thought was the finest player in our area. He was considered the best guitarist in the Philly area during the early-70s. I used to play many albums for him featuring great players.......Mike Bloomfield, Jeff Beck, Buzzy Feiten, many others etc. Ronnie didn't like any of them. One day, I let him hear the Tempest album and he was wowed. Shortly after, Allan started playing with Soft Machine and they came to a club in Bryn Mawr, PA called The Main Point. Ronnie and I went, sat very close to the stage and we're both mesmerized by Allan's playing. During the show, Ronnie told me his hands were sweating because he had never seen or heard anyone like Allan. I have to agree. BTW: Ronnie grew up listening to Roy Buchanan before he basically went into hiding. Interestingly, I moved to Vista, CA In 1988 and Allan was living here at that time........I never knew that until years later. And, I just found out that after moving away for awhile, he eventually moved back here. That's where he passed away. I can only say this.........the world has lost a true musical genius. And, I continue to be very sad. I hope he knows how revered he was by many, many guitarists. I don't believe there will ever be another player on his level. Godspeed, Allan.
Yes! Ronnie Gentile of Crystal Mansion. I, too, am from Philadelphia. The other brilliant guitar player from that area/era was (is) Jimmy Zaleski. Best tone, vibrato, and phrasing as I have every heard.
SO FORTUNATE THAT IN EARLY 1980'S MY FRIENDS AND I WENT TO A CLUB IN THE WEST END OF LONG ISLAND, IN NASSAU COUNTY, CALLED "MY FATHERS PLACE",, AND GOT TO SEE ALAN HOLDSWORTH AT HIS PRIME! WAS MESMERIZED BY HIS PLAYING THEN AND .................................................. STILL AM! RIP ALLAN HOLDSWORTH!
The best! There are a lot of great musicians and guitarist, but there isn't too many people who changed the way the instrument is played. Allen Holdsworth was the best hands down and we are lucky to have experienced his beautiful music.
Hard to watch... I saw him at least 10 or more times over three decades. He was at the end here and yet, the beauty remains... the structure, the tune...his enduring signature legato tone (the most amazing left hand maybe ever) Indeed I'm choking up as I write this. The world grew too hard for his nuance. Allen didn't die he passed on to the next dimension but his soul echoes eternal. RIP master your gift was as big as life itself and how fortunate we were to be here at the same time. Now go listen to that first UK record and hear a little truth in aural form 🙏 Amen
Allan is amazing. He created his very own melodic and harmonic vocabulary. He re-thought the musical materials from the bottom up and relentlessly executed on his unique vision. Another thing--- this rhythm section is crushing it. I'd love to play the guitar the way that guy plays the bass.
allan didn't just change the way we think about guitar; he changed the way we think about music. allan didn't just change the way we think about music; he changed the way we think about life. allan didn't just change the way we think about life; he changed the way we think about everything. allan holdsworth's music is the pinnacle of human achievement.
The greatest and most original musician ever ,like Miles Davis and many other originals he was an artist who found his voice , he will truly be remembered for his uniqueness
Thank you so much, Sammy Figueroa for your words about Allan. Just today I read your Wikipedia file and listened your YT files. You are one master of percussion, a big hand.
Many losses these days but this one hit me like a truck! Allan wrote the soundtrack literally of my young life from boyhood on.. I was instantly mesmerized by his playing on my brothers records.. Sadly I never got to see him play and now never will.. :( God rest your soul Mr. H.
It's like I lost a very close relative, much like my own father. His music kept my mind at ease and refreshed each time I listen, and at one time every night. "Funnels" is my favorite. I am one of the very unfortunate souls who had never even had one chance to see him in person since I got introduced to the name in the 70's. It would have been very sad for us not to see this final performances. Even here.
Tone and touch, smooth as silk... with a serious cutting edge. You were a gem of a player, and from what I read and understand, a gem of a person. RIP, Mr. Holdsworth... we all will miss you!
Thanks Allan for propelling guitar to heights unimaginable. I saw Allan in Cleveland in the 80's, we walked into the club early and he was setting up his gear. I said eff it, walked on stage stammered out something and shook his hand. Needless to say I was treated to guitarmageddon the rest of the night. Rest In Peace Mr Holdsworth.
RIP maestro. The greatest innovator of the guitar. I saw him at a club in Baton Rouge back in the mid 80s. After the performance, he had dinner with the club audience and talked philosophy, music, life. Very cool and an absolutely brilliant man.
Thanks for All the Memories you gave us Allan. You will surely be forever missed.... Thanks for posting this great Farwell to the Greatest Guitarist of All Time....
Hard to believe that less than two weeks after this spellbinding performance,we would be robbed of the phenomenal talents of the greatest guitarist who ever walked this planet. So typical of Allan to showcase the incredible chops of his fellow musicians too. Gone,but never forgotten.
Allan took the jazz style electric guitar to a whole new innovative level which was way ahead of the rest. Saw him play live many times in the 80's in small London jazz venues. I had a back stage pass when he played with Level 42 at the 'Hammersmith Odeon' so had a brief conversation with him and was impressed by his humility and generous spirit. His amazing recording legacy will live on and I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to see and hear him play.
I had the pleasure of seeing Alan perform at a club around the corner from me in Chicago and then going out for a drink with him after the show. An incredible musician and an even nicer person. So happy I was able to meet him and very sad he is no longer with us
Oh, I cried hard! He impacted me so much, what unearthly sounds! So inspiring. I love his use of minor and major seconds in chords, and chromatic melodies. we composers can learn much from him.
Surely a Master in his genre..and a very passionate musician...Though he knew a lot of theory..he was inspirative and creative at the same time...own sound..own and unique style...(Though emulated lots of times...) R.I.P Allan Holdsworth still I am in debt to you with a long listening to your music..and I promise I surely will!
It can not be. R.I.P Allan Holdsworth is and will always be the best, no one like him. It will take a thousand years to get one like him. Very bad news for the music, but it leaves us his music, his interpretation, his fingers, his magic and musicality, his unique personality and indisputable way of playing the best. Allan is the best. I can not believe it.
This world of music is so much sadder with Alan not being in it. Alan Happy Birthday & all I can say is thank you for all the great music that you had given us all but especially being that I was a fan of yours when I heard with Jon Hiseman's Tempest. I still treasure the vinyl album I have to this day.
Rest in peace, Allan. Sad I discovered your genius so close to your life's end, but you'll inspire me endlessly for the rest of my days. Thank you for your dedication to music and the guitar, both of which give my life meaning.
If i keep scrolling these comments, i'm going to absolutely bawl out my eyes. Just like i did for a few days after he passed. I never even got a chance to see him play live. And live was him at his best... such a loss to the world. Oh my god, i wish someone would have noticed something was wrong and crowdfunded some healthcare for him...
did not know that he passed away in 2017. the more thanks for this posting it's a historical document to me and hopefully for many others who loved this guy and his very unique and innovative style
We were lucky to have lived in the time of such a great composer my brother, and to have appreciated his genius to the extent that we did. Men like Bach, Coltrane, Zappa and Holdsworth will have their work remain an eternal treasure, it is just such a shock, I can't process it right now.
So very very sad. Such an enormous talented guitarist. For me the best since the Tony Williams Lifetime days. Indeeed it will be a very long time before someone will equal this, if possible.. It's a great loss. I was fortunate to see him 4 times and spoke with him. Nice and humble chap. Allan, thanks for your music amd everything else. It feels like a great part of great music has died. Shocking. Allan, RIP.
for me, allan's music is the pinnacle of human achievement, even beyond the moon landing. having said that, though, listen to jacob collier - he is the bach of the current generation; he may one day surpass even allan.
It's just heartbreaking that he's gone. Too soon. My heart goes out to his family that remains behind. I am so thankful that I could enjoy his glorious talent. RIP.
An update. We are waiting for guidance from the Holdsworth family as to what to do with the footage from April 10. We will probably upload it to a channel that they control, so they can at least get the UA-cam ad revenue.
He completed his mission, playing right up to the end.
THAT's dedication.
FUCKING RIGHT - you are ! - he - died - playing ..... the things you hear , (with your boots on)
Mikkel Grum Bovin I cannot say that better myself!
I'm still pissed he could not afford his own funeral! A guitar god most neglected. RIP.
this is scandal! This man was national treasure!
When I found out he left us I was parked in my car and cried for about an hour like a child who had just lost his father. There will never be a guitar player like.him. He was a humble genius and I hope he visits us again from that beautiful planet he came from.
..the first..I.O.U.....was sublime elegant purity of true genius...bought it when it came out...I truly understand your grief🌹
I was also in my car crying histerically
I was born just around the corner from this man.. humble genius from some other space and time
I'll be honest, his passing really affected me and even tho i'm just a 27 year old dude.. I've been listening to his music since i was 16
First time i heard him was on Planet X's Quantum album in the track Desert Girl
I swear, first time i heard his solo, i got shivers throughout my brain
Life went on and i've been thru alot of hardships that made me exponentially detached as years went on
One of the only few things to this day that still manages to get me to the core is listening to Allan Holdsworth
I know this might not mean anything to any of those who will read this comment but for me it's something huge
Rest in Peace and long live Allan's spirit
Yeah man he was one of the, if not the greatest there was to ever do it.
I hope you exponentially connecting
First time was Gong. Immediately 'wow' and there he's holding back. His sound alone draws attention. He's great.
After Charlie Parker died people started leaving graffiti around New York: BIRD LIVES.
There are only a handful of musicians who could stand next to Charlie Parker. Allan is one of them.
HOLDSWORTH LIVES
Amen to that!
Amen🙏
The music remains. HOLDSWORTH LIVES
That is a true statement.
And JACO
They'll still be listening to Allan in 200 years. Huge loss.
true that HOWEVER people will still go like "Allan who?" when you mention him in a casual conversation, even with some musicians .... sigh ... :(
@@Draxtor remember how hardly anyone knew who Bach was when he was alive?
It makes me sad to know that Holdsworth struggled financially and occasionally sold equipment to make ends meet! The greatest guitar player ever shouldn't have had financial problems, just like CR7 or Beyonce do not have money problems... Something is wrong on the planet ..
messi is the goat
CR7?
@@michaelware1649 Cristo Romano numero 7
People wouldn’t know good music if it slapped them in the face. I don’t know if anyone who doesn’t play an instrument ever watches these videos.
being a genius pioneer is usually not rewarded ~ this is nothing new
At least he was middle class for most of his life.
I think Lenny Breau suffered more
Cool to see him with Steve Hunt, I only saw him as trio.
saw him 14 times and met him twice , once for about 20 minutes. He was a very nice humble man. I told him how many times I saw him perform and what venues I saw him at. I told him the solo in rukukah was pure genius and how much I enjoy his music. I was blessed to have seen him so often and am so sad at his passing. His music will live on.....
That he died 12 days after making this music is beyond what my heart can hold. One of the comments called him the "humble genius". That is perfect for me. Robben Ford has said: "I think Allan Holdsworth is the John Coltrane of the guitar. I don't think anyone can do as much with the guitar as Allan Holdsworth can." Bless his beautiful heart.
12 days later he was dead. Last gig was 10/04/17. What a legacy he left us.
Possibly the last video recording of this Genius! Rest In peace Allan.. i always thought u came from another planet....looks like youve gone back home! thanks for the music.
No one played like Allan. What a shame he had to suffer the disillusionment of the fickle music business.
evan marien absolutely going off!
Steve Hunt (keyboards), Evan Marien (bass) & Virgil Donati (drums)
love evan's volume pedal stuff during the drum break - very tasty!
the best honored commentary. kkk here in the future always lurking at to the past
Thanks man!! I was wondering who the bass player was.
Tio Wally Virgil is from another universe.
thank you for member list.
mister marien did the moderate (minimum, spinal and
adequate, i wan to say...)play in this unique holdsworth music.
I never heard any song that have this kind of drums dinamics like this. Donati is the very best drumer of the world today. Its very sad that Allan Holdsworth die, because his music, guitar sound, improvising, technique, armonics and alucination melodies, are amazing.
"dynamics" and he has very little. There is no best. I'm guessing you can only name about 3.
Gary Husband is much more "Dynamic" of a "Drummer" on the same material. Virgil is loud and over plays and interferes with the grooves to much.
@@morbidmanmusic Yeah, Husband is great. Gary Novak sounded amazing with Holdsworth. I'm not really a fan of Donati.
@@morbidmanmusic Yeah, agreed. Donati is a bit of a pounder, and sounds (to me) like a metal drummer who outgrew metal (a good thing). But Holdsworth is a different caliber player.
Gary Husband is a deep player, and also plays keys well enough to have toured with John McLaughlin and others purely as a keyboard player. A rather astonishing talent.
Many who praise Donati have never heard Husband with Holdsworth. Or Gary Novak, who brought way more dimension to Holdsworth's music than Donati could.
Omg... I couldn't stop the tears during Allan's solo. I just can't believe he's gone. I realize this was Allan at his least blazing, but god his tone and phrasing is still better than anyone. You could clearly feel Virgil giving Allan everything he's got, just the way Allan would have wanted it. Great to hear the beautiful Steve Hunt gracefully flying with him again.
I'm going to miss Allan so much...
I teared up at the end. He was not looking to strong here but the soaring music was still pouring out of him.
Thanks for sharing your grief; there is some strange solace in knowing so many of us feel the devastation of losing our great guitar genius.
Lisa Bella Donna Wait - a girl into Holdsworth? Something I've never seen. You married?
James Bryce ~ ha! 💋 There are many lovely ladies into Allan's sprawling musical beauty. However we are indeed not the norm!
James Bryce right!!??
Loved that guy. His music made my life much richer. So happy he never faced a time when he became unable to do that.
RIP dear fellow. I cannot
thank you enough and today is a sad day.
My Prayers to his family, will there ever be another, ?, unlikely, emulations sure.
You'll love this quick story, back in the 90's I saw Holdsworth play at Char's in Tempe, AZ. and for you older rockers from the 80's like me, anyway Ronnie Montrose opened up for Holdsworth, after Ronnie's set I was at the bar buying a frosty beverage and Ronnie Montrose walked to buy a frosty beverage also, so I bought his drink and gave him kudos on the set, and asked him what he thought about holdsworth's playing, and with a straight face he looked at me with all sincerity and said that his playing truly gives him NIGHTMARES. Miss ya Allan, and Ronnie
Most people had no idea what he was really about. It was not so much about the insane chops, insanely unique technique, the insanely innovative unique sound that so many tried to copy but it was about the harmonic depth of the improvised melodic line. There is no one nor will there be anyone in my lifetime, no guitarist who could improvise with that depth without repeating himself and playing licks. There is an incredible difference. It is something that is unobtainable for the rest of us mortals. There are plenty of folks out there with insane facility and interesting ideas but there is no equal in the world of guitar when it comes to the depth of the improvised line, none. If we listen with our ears, over & over, and not with our eyes, we can get a glimpse of the deep harmonic colors of his improv. Yes, Stravinsky, Bartok, Brecker, Coltrane, all influences and no one even comes close on the instrument of guitar. What a beautiful soul.
Sir Allan Holdsworth to me was a university of music on his own. Completely unique. It's Hildegard von Bingen mixed with Coltrane, late Stravinsky and something from the Holdsworth planet. I feel privileged to have seen him perform twice in The Netherlands. Wonderful musician who brought a jewel to the world of music from a distant planet. Thank you for your music Allan Holdsworth!! Rest in Peace..
He was fantastic player and composer its a shame he didnt get the recognition he deserved on his legacy, this two years we had great lost with several masters lyle mays, jimmy cobb,,chic korea, glen campbell god bless their music.thanks for this video
Saw him first with Tony Williams in maybe 1976 at his last gig with him, he was fired the next day. I was blown away by his style. I was like " who is this guy". Been following him ever since. Hurt very much by his passing. Saw him live at the AMAC in 2006. My wife was hooked we were in the front row not 10 feet from him. She never could understand why I listened to him. After that concert she got it. She said she could listen to him all day.
My favourite guitarist of all time. I was him in the tiny cellar bar at South Hill Park Arts Centre in Bracknell many times. A wonderful truly original player.
Charlie Parker used to be the gold standard for improvisational innovators. Allan is the reigning gold standard. He invented a new school of guitar playing, and he was/is the Guitar Hero of most Guitar Heroes on planet Earth. Thank you, MrEtodaG, for this historical record...and give it up for the other great musicians recorded here.
I first heard him with Tony Williams on a song called RED ALERT, needless to say it blow my mind, I was playing jazz fusion at the time but this guy was off the charts, I’ve been influenced by his playing ever since, I cried when I found out of his passing, I know I’ll see you again brother.
Same here, @truthserum9157! Tony William's Lifetime LP, "Believe It!", hooked me forever! Changed my life. 🙂
He was the best guitarist of the 20th and 21st century , there will not be someone like him ever again ,his music completely changed the way I perceive music and I'm so thankful for that , I was about to give up on music till I discovered him .
Allan never stole the spotlight in his gigs, always letting his bandmates spread out. More than any other musician we've lost in the last 10 years or so this one hurts the most--Allan was a true giant. We are so fortunate to have the musical legacy he has left us...another life cut far too short. So nice, he finished that one with a smile. RIP, Allan.
I cry when I hear Allan's whaling solos or Jacos identifiable tone. Music is so powerful! Try listening to his awesome solos on any UK album and not get moved !
Thanks for this. I saw him live in Melbourne in the 90's. Guitar God we are not worthy. May you be resting in peace. How valuable to see this just days before he passed. 🙏
Evan Marien absolutely killing on bass here too
Allan Holdsworth has been my musical hero since I first heard him in 1989.
R.I.P Mr. Allan Holdsworth. Great innovator and Genius. You are a great influence. Im proud to speak some words with you. 😔
No one can play like him. RIP.
I've been playing Allan videos for the last few days, and to me, he clicked most with Chad Wackerman and Jimmy Johnson. The Tokyo '84 DVD was the pinnacle of the lot. I most enjoyed his playing on Bruford - One Of A Kind, and the the first UK record. great tunes that really showcased his talent.
Even was so fortunate to have played with Allan.
He was...He is...and ALWAYS it will be THE ONE.
The most innovative and creative guitar player of all decades……love his playin' …...
Amazing like always the loss of a giant in Jazz RIP Allan
l like many others on here was lucky enough to see Allan in fact it was in 93 Manchester UK at The band on the Wall venue.This is a very intimate venue where you are up close and personal with the artists. l remember him there having a beer afterwards stood in the crowd only a few feet away.I have followed him since his Soft Machine days seen loads of his stuff on here like we all have.I was thinking only the other day, he would be here for many years to come still and looked forwards to what lay ahead. Sadly his passing has left a void, he was unique so let's remember him for just that. Allan Hodsworth guitarist composer genius RIP Sir
Saw him at BOW too! He played that venue a few times in 80/90s. All the musos would have a bevvy at that little Victorian Bar. They changed the place now - Grr.
Yes Nige l have been back there since then around 2011 saw Robin Trower there with my brother.
His music has meant so much to me all my life. Few people understand why I love it so much, but those who get it, get it.
I got you.
I get it, I got you
Allan Holdsworth and Phil Miller two most identifiable guitarists in the world.
.RIP to both my guitar heroes. .
This is probably the best band Allan ever put together; an excellent groove chemistry here; very nice indeed.
I hope the music industry pays trbute to this man of melody. His uncompromising approach to music is timeless and for those who listened.... rewarding in so many ways. Allan was above his so called lack of recognition. It shows he was on another plane of existence and his intentions were purely organic. I admire his blazing path. We is simply the BEST GUITARIST OF ALL TIME to me. He is smiling at the love you all are sharing. Thank you for posting this last show. They shredded eloquently regardless of being such MONSTERS. Cheers to Allan Holdsworth. Darryl Johnson Panco from led zepplica
I was fortunate enough to have seen him play live over 20+ concerts since 1981. A truly nice person as well. RIP, Allan...there will never be another like you.
Many imitators, but only a few innovators.Allan one of the greatest innovators ever.RIP
I like when in Allan's videos most of the comments are positive, telling stories, arguing techniques, story's about musicianship, and so long, so, all hands down to the great Maestro in one of the most exciting genres of all time: rock and his variety.
Even at the end of the video I'm cheering up and going happy.
Heroic, beautiful playing right before the end. Thank you Allan Holdsworth!
Here's a fact. Allan had flat out refused to allow any video for these shows. Not just for people like me, even Virgil was told "no". He had agreed to allow us to shoot the July shows in New York though.
So a week ago I would have cursed whoever uploaded this for not respecting Allan's wishes.
But now I am ridiculously grateful. I was sitting a few seats to the right of whoever shot this, and it was an absolutely extraordinary night. Allan was as good or better than he had ever been.
I'm so sad about Allan's passing, but in a way am happy that he was playing pretty much up to the end. He will be missed by far fewer people than he deserves.
Um, not sure what you mean. Allan despised people videoing him and he hated the bootleg audio recordings that got made.
He eventually gave up trying to stop it, but he was never happy about it.
Oh, I never agreed with his views on this. I wanted every second he ever played to be recorded, and I cherish every bootleg that exists.
However for these shows he was nervous because he hadn't played live for over two years, hence he was absolutely adamant about "no video' and so we all tried to enforce his wishes. It was our hope that if we let him get his way for these shows he would be more agreeable about taping the shows that were scheduled for July of 2017.
The family has since asked me to try and collect all the bootlegs and I have now received audio and video from collectors all over the world as a result. The family is looking into releasing the best of them as 'authorized boots". (That's NOT a confirmed plan however).
Manning Bartlett, take it from me and thousands of others: forever gratefulness for taking care of Allan and his legacy. Honest.
Being a great fan of Alan could you tell me, did he die in his sleep?
He died 12 days after this huge (another one) demonstration of passion for life and music...
I miss him so much!!!!!
I've seen him play twice,..in San Francisco,...and the room was completely quiet each time,...all eye's were focused on him giving us the truth,..LOVE always Mr. Holdsworth,...from San Francisco. Mel.
Rest in Paradise - the journey doesn't end...
An absolute total mindblower! I'm as sad as everyone else. I first became aware of Allan when he was playing with Jon Hiseman's Tempest around 72/73. I was a fledgling guitarist who didn't have a clue what Allan was doing.......but I loved his playing. He also played violin on that Tempest album and you could immediately tell where he got his awesome vibrato from. I had a guitar player friend from Philadelphia, Ronnie Gentile, who I thought was the finest player in our area. He was considered the best guitarist in the Philly area during the early-70s. I used to play many albums for him featuring great players.......Mike Bloomfield, Jeff Beck, Buzzy Feiten, many others etc. Ronnie didn't like any of them. One day, I let him hear the Tempest album and he was wowed. Shortly after, Allan started playing with Soft Machine and they came to a club in Bryn Mawr, PA called The Main Point. Ronnie and I went, sat very close to the stage and we're both mesmerized by Allan's playing. During the show, Ronnie told me his hands were sweating because he had never seen or heard anyone like Allan. I have to agree. BTW: Ronnie grew up listening to Roy Buchanan before he basically went into hiding. Interestingly, I moved to Vista, CA In 1988 and Allan was living here at that time........I never knew that until years later. And, I just found out that after moving away for awhile, he eventually moved back here. That's where he passed away. I can only say this.........the world has lost a true musical genius. And, I continue to be very sad. I hope he knows how revered he was by many, many guitarists. I don't believe there will ever be another player on his level. Godspeed, Allan.
Yes! Ronnie Gentile of Crystal Mansion. I, too, am from Philadelphia. The other brilliant guitar player from that area/era was (is) Jimmy Zaleski. Best tone, vibrato, and phrasing as I have every heard.
SO FORTUNATE THAT IN EARLY 1980'S MY FRIENDS AND I WENT TO A CLUB IN THE WEST END OF LONG ISLAND, IN NASSAU COUNTY, CALLED "MY FATHERS PLACE",, AND GOT TO SEE ALAN HOLDSWORTH AT HIS PRIME! WAS MESMERIZED BY HIS PLAYING THEN AND .................................................. STILL AM! RIP ALLAN HOLDSWORTH!
Caught him in Tulsa with Bull Buford and band back in the early 80's, changed my life in music.
kind of near Jeff Berlin's neck of the woods....Great Neck, LI where Bill Bruford used to hang out with him in late '70's.
let's all chip in and buy NEWMOON54 a keyboard with lowercase letters
The best! There are a lot of great musicians and guitarist, but there isn't too many people who changed the way the instrument is played. Allen Holdsworth was the best hands down and we are lucky to have experienced his beautiful music.
shawn lane was one of those .
Hard to watch... I saw him at least 10 or more times over three decades. He was at the end here and yet, the beauty remains... the structure, the tune...his enduring signature legato tone (the most amazing left hand maybe ever) Indeed I'm choking up as I write this. The world grew too hard for his nuance. Allen didn't die he passed on to the next dimension but his soul echoes eternal.
RIP master your gift was as big as life itself and how fortunate we were to be here at the same time.
Now go listen to that first UK record and hear a little truth in aural form 🙏
Amen
That U.K. album changed my life. I think the solo to “In the Dead of Night” is still the greatest I have ever heard.
Allan is amazing. He created his very own melodic and harmonic vocabulary. He re-thought the musical materials from the bottom up and relentlessly executed on his unique vision. Another thing--- this rhythm section is crushing it. I'd love to play the guitar the way that guy plays the bass.
RIP AH. there are few musicians of whom you can honestly say they changed the way we think about the instrument, but Allan was one such.
allan didn't just change the way we think about guitar; he changed the way we think about music.
allan didn't just change the way we think about music; he changed the way we think about life.
allan didn't just change the way we think about life; he changed the way we think about everything.
allan holdsworth's music is the pinnacle of human achievement.
Jimi was another, imho
The greatest and most original musician ever ,like Miles Davis and many other originals he was an artist who found his voice , he will truly be remembered for his uniqueness
Thank you so much, Sammy Figueroa for your words about Allan. Just today I read your Wikipedia file and listened your YT files. You are one master of percussion, a big hand.
Many losses these days but this one hit me like a truck! Allan wrote the soundtrack literally of my young life from boyhood on.. I was instantly mesmerized by his playing on my brothers records.. Sadly I never got to see him play and now never will.. :( God rest your soul Mr. H.
... flying high till the end. RIP Mr. Holdsworth
Thanks for the music throughout the years, Allan!
It's like I lost a very close relative, much like my own father. His music kept my mind at ease and refreshed each time I listen, and at one time every night. "Funnels" is my favorite. I am one of the very unfortunate souls who had never even had one chance to see him in person since I got introduced to the name in the 70's. It would have been very sad for us not to see this final performances. Even here.
One of the very best guitarists ever; an elite musical pioneer.
Tone and touch, smooth as silk... with a serious cutting edge. You were a gem of a player, and from what I read and understand, a gem of a person.
RIP, Mr. Holdsworth... we all will miss you!
Thanks Allan for propelling guitar to heights unimaginable.
I saw Allan in Cleveland in the 80's, we walked into the club early and he was setting up his gear. I said eff it, walked on stage stammered out something and shook his hand.
Needless to say I was treated to guitarmageddon the rest of the night.
Rest In Peace Mr Holdsworth.
RIP maestro. The greatest innovator of the guitar. I saw him at a club in Baton Rouge back in the mid 80s. After the performance, he had dinner with the club audience and talked philosophy, music, life. Very cool and an absolutely brilliant man.
it's hard to imagine this musical giant is dead, and that his passing would be less than 2 weeks after this performance. RIP.
Thanks for All the Memories you gave us Allan. You will surely be forever missed....
Thanks for posting this great Farwell to the Greatest Guitarist of All Time....
Hard to believe that less than two weeks after this spellbinding performance,we would be robbed of the phenomenal talents of the greatest guitarist who ever walked this planet. So typical of Allan to showcase the incredible chops of his fellow musicians too. Gone,but never forgotten.
It sounds like he had a heart attack
Man, the guy is always a beautiful player, regardless if it was his best or worst day.
Allan took the jazz style electric guitar to a whole new innovative level which was way ahead of the rest. Saw him play live many times in the 80's in small London jazz venues. I had a back stage pass when he played with Level 42 at the 'Hammersmith Odeon' so had a brief conversation with him and was impressed by his humility and generous spirit. His amazing recording legacy will live on and I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to see and hear him play.
RIP Mr Holdsworth. Certainly one of the best ever!! You are already missed! Keep on rocking on, Sir. Wherever you have gone... \m/
I had the pleasure of seeing Alan perform at a club around the corner from me in Chicago and then going out for a drink with him after the show. An incredible musician and an even nicer person. So happy I was able to meet him and very sad he is no longer with us
What a loss of someone so worthwhile, sad to hear of his personal financial woes at the end miss you already Mr Holdsworth.
Oh, I cried hard! He impacted me so much, what unearthly sounds! So inspiring. I love his use of minor and major seconds in chords, and chromatic melodies. we composers can learn much from him.
His chordal approach was very original. It also requires big hand stretches or long fingers.
Indeed
James Lawrence Wirth 🙏
Surely a Master in his genre..and a very passionate musician...Though he knew a lot of theory..he was inspirative and creative at the same time...own sound..own and unique style...(Though emulated lots of times...)
R.I.P Allan Holdsworth still I am in debt to you with a long listening to your music..and I promise I surely will!
flavy1000 “Inspirative”..yes..
I like that.
It can not be. R.I.P Allan Holdsworth is and will always be the best, no one like him. It will take a thousand years to get one like him. Very bad news for the music, but it leaves us his music, his interpretation, his fingers, his magic and musicality, his unique personality and indisputable way of playing the best. Allan is the best. I can not believe it.
Jason Pastrana yeah basically
This world of music is so much sadder with Alan not being in it. Alan Happy Birthday & all I can say is thank you for all the great music that you had given us all but especially being that I was a fan of yours when I heard with Jon Hiseman's Tempest. I still treasure the vinyl album I have to this day.
A true innovator, genius of harmony and phrases ,,, 'Unparalleled loss in the world of quality music
Rest in peace, Allan. Sad I discovered your genius so close to your life's end, but you'll inspire me endlessly for the rest of my days. Thank you for your dedication to music and the guitar, both of which give my life meaning.
Allan is Allan, wherever he is (almost in heaven).
If i keep scrolling these comments, i'm going to absolutely bawl out my eyes. Just like i did for a few days after he passed. I never even got a chance to see him play live. And live was him at his best... such a loss to the world. Oh my god, i wish someone would have noticed something was wrong and crowdfunded some healthcare for him...
I'm devastated. One of the very few originals. What a legacy!
My favourite musician. May his journey beyond this life be blessed
He was a master at his skill. Thanks for the share.
Allan Holdsworth had a tone and vibrato to die for!
That incredible sound and phrasing of Allan's truly a master musician that will be missed ,love ya brother...
"I always wanted to be able to improvise" A Holdsworth Bradford West Yorkshire England.
did not know that he passed away in 2017. the more thanks for this posting it's a historical document to me and hopefully for many others who loved this guy and his very unique and innovative style
Farewell Allan. Thanks for bringing your genius to this planet. You will be missed by many.
Great show. I was there. So sad that he's gone.
This man is not dead. He just left his body to come back some day when music needs to be put back to its rightful place
high time it were!
Thank you for posting, I am just crushed right now. He was the greatest.
My hero hands down ( aside from Zappa). I've been depressed since yesterday.
We were lucky to have lived in the time of such a great composer my brother, and to have appreciated his genius to the extent that we did. Men like Bach, Coltrane, Zappa and Holdsworth will have their work remain an eternal treasure, it is just such a shock, I can't process it right now.
Likewise man likewise..
Not now god, your NOT welcome, take a rapist, not dear Allan. UA-cam has so many of Allan's songs, I will treasure this.
Rest easy Allan,
thank you for bringing a unique,
fresh approach to your instrument.
I've have and always will be a fan.
He was the GREATEST... R.I.P. ALLAN HOLDSWORTH
So very very sad. Such an enormous talented guitarist. For me the best since the Tony Williams Lifetime days. Indeeed it will be a very long time before someone will equal this, if possible.. It's a great loss. I was fortunate to see him 4 times and spoke with him. Nice and humble chap. Allan, thanks for your music amd everything else. It feels like a great part of great music has died. Shocking. Allan, RIP.
Along time before another as rare appears...RIP Al
Thank you so for posting this selfishly,I'm hoping for more...so sad tonight........
for me, allan's music is the pinnacle of human achievement, even beyond the moon landing. having said that, though, listen to jacob collier - he is the bach of the current generation; he may one day surpass even allan.
It's just heartbreaking that he's gone. Too soon. My heart goes out to his family that remains behind. I am so thankful that I could enjoy his glorious talent. RIP.
Big Holdsworth fan since the late 70's. You can see here he isn't feeling good, right.
Indeed.
Such an inspiration to me and many other guitarists, sad to hear of his passing earlier today. I would've got to see him in July. RIP Allan
For the record, this was not his last performance - this was the third last. The final show ever was April 10 in San Marcos.
There is, maybe 20 minutes or so. Greg Beaton shot it. He is away from home at the moment, but he will upload it at first opportunity.
An update. We are waiting for guidance from the Holdsworth family as to what to do with the footage from April 10. We will probably upload it to a channel that they control, so they can at least get the UA-cam ad revenue.
Manning Bartlett ~ thank you for all you've been doing Manning! You're a blessing!
Damn decent of you sir .
You´re another blessing and thanks for your beautiful comments Lisa. Extremely important for me and so many others.