British Blues Rock Legend Alvin Lee Dies At Age 68

Legendary British guitarist and singer Alvin Lee has unexpectedly passed away following complications arising after routine surgery, his family has confirmed this morning. The artist was 68-years-old.

Lee's family posted a simple announcement on his website confirming the news of his death.

“With great sadness we have to announce that Alvin unexpectedly passed away early this morning after unforeseen 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.”

Lee was most famous as the frontman of British blues rock band Ten Years After, which he formed with long-time friend and collaborator Leo Lyons under that particular name in 1966 (Lyons and Lee had played in a number of bands prior to this, achieving moderate success in Britain).

The band quickly made a name for themselves in the US through a tireless touring regime that reportedly saw them trek around the country 28 times in the space of seven years. Their 1967 debut LP was stacked full of covers – Lee penned just three songs on the album – but by the time their acclaimed Ssssh and Cricklewood Green records were released in 1969 and 1970 respectively, Lee's songwriting smarts were well and truly becoming refined.

But it will perhaps always be in the live arena that those lucky enough to see Ten Years After will always most fondly remember them. The band famously played Woodstock in 1969, one of the most talked about performances of the event and a show that introduced the band to a mammoth audience after their song I'm Going Home was included in the Woodstock movie in 1970.

Lee was prolific through his career, releasing 14 solo records on top of the 11 album Ten Years After had to their name. His most recent LP, Still On The Road To Freedom, was released in September last year – it's title alluding to Lee's 1973 almost solo debut (it was released with Mylon LeFevre) On The Road To Freedom, which featured guest appearances from the likes of George Harrison, Mick Fleetwood, Ron Wood and Steve Winwood.

Lee has also contributed to records from the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis and Bo Diddley and had former Rolling Stone Mick Taylor as a member of his band through the 1980s.