Alvin Lee and Big Red

I was 15 years old when the movie "Woodstock" came to South Africa. There was something in me yearning for something I just wasn't hearing in the popular music that was on the radio of that time. Here and there I heard bits that tugged at my innards.

Then I went to see Woodstock ... my ears nearly popped out of my head when Alvin Lee and Ten Years After played I'm Goin Home.

He has remained one of my favourite players. His Big Red 335 became an iconic instrument for me. I love the Gibbo 335 sound and have an Ibanez repro of a 335. Ever since then I have had a semi-acoustic heart.

I was saddened to hear that Alvin Lee died two days ago, apparently from complications after a routine surgical procedure.

Another great goes to the great stage in the sky. We're gonna miss you Alvin.

Click here to see that Woodstock performance.