Alvin Lee & Ten Years After

Ten Years After & Alvin Lee with a Reslo RB Ribbon Microphone

The 6th March 2013 was a sad day in the music world when Alvin Lee of Ten Years After passed away aged 68. Courtesy of Jørgen Angel photography this is in tribute to him.

His family announced on his official website that "With great sadness, we have to announce that Alvin unexpectedly passed away early this morning after unforseen complications following a routine surgical procedure. We have lost a wonderful, much loved father and companion. The world has lost a truly great and gifted musician."

Tony Iommi recently commented to the Birmingham Mail about Alvin's passing and their friendship. "I was extremely saddened to hear of Alvin's death. It was a great shock. I had not known that he was ill. Alvin was a really great guitar player but, more importantly, has been a good friend of Black Sabbath over the years.In the early days, when we were still going by the name of Earth, it was Alvin who helped us get some gigs. He'd been out there a bit before us, and knew the ropes. We'd sit and talk the night away at a flat in London. I remember telling him that we were thinking of changing our name to Black Sabbath. He was horrified! He told me we'd never do any good with a name like that. Alvin broke new ground with the way he played. After he played Goin' Home at Woodstock, he became known as the fastest guitar player in the world. But it wasn't just about speed. He could rock, he could play the blues, and he was a fine jazz guitarist, too. He will be greatly missed by everyone in the rock and roll community."

These following black & white pictures were was taken by Jørgen Angel in February 1968 at the Gladsaxe Teen Club. Every Saturday during the season there was a Teen Club ball at the Egegaard Skole in Gladsaxe just on the outskirts of Copenhagen, Denmark. Jørgen photographed many shows during this time including one of the earliest Led Zeppelin shows many of which can be seen on his website: Jørgen Angel Photography. Here Ten Years After in their classic line up comprise:

Alvin Lee - guitar & vocals

Leo Lyons – bass 

Chick Churchill – organ

 Ric Lee – drums

This first shot shows Alvin (sporting a fine Hendrix inspired poodle perm ala Eric Clapton) performing his drumstick solo section and the every exuberant Leo Lyons on bass to the left. 

Ten Years After (Leo Lyons & Alvin Lee) with a Reslo RB Ribbon Microphone

Ten Years After with a Reslo RB Ribbon Microphone

Ten Years After with a Reslo RB Ribbon Microphone

While we're in the mood for black & white photographs, here's a shot featuring Leo Lyons performing in 1960 with one of his first bands The Jaycats. Leo is playing a  Höfner President bass just like Roger Waters is here. The singer is also seen using a Reslo RB Ribbon Microphone.

 

Leo Lyons with a Höfner President bass & The Jaycats singer using a
Reslo RB Ribbon Microphone

  

Nottingham born Alvin rose to fame after appearing at the Woodstock festival in 1969. Alvin picked up the tagline of being "the fastest guitar player in the west" which we can forever relive in the Woodstock film.

 

 

Alvin's Gibson 335 guitar "Big Red" became an icon in itself with the various stickers that Alvin applied including the famous CND or "peace" symbol. Gibson produced a signature model of Big Red of which Alvin had one as he'd retired the original from the rigors of the road as he had been offered $500,000 for it! 

Last words go to Alvin from Woodstock 1969...

"I'm Going Home...by helicopter"