Alvin Lee

Musician

Alvin Lee was a British guitarist and singer, best known for his work with the band Ten Years After, particularly for his explosive performances at Woodstock.

Born
December 19, 1949
Quotes
18
Rank
#3709

About Alvin Lee

Alvin Lee — Life and Legacy

Alvin Lee was a prominent British guitarist and singer, celebrated for his role in the band Ten Years After. His explosive performance at the Woodstock Festival in 1969 showcased his exceptional guitar skills and established him as a leading figure in the rock music scene. Lee's philosophy centered on the idea that music should be a form of freedom, a sentiment he expressed in his belief that 'music is a universal language.' This perspective reflects his commitment to creating connections through sound, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers. Lee's quotes often reveal his deep understanding of the emotional power of music. For instance, he stated, 'I want to play music that makes people feel good,' which underscores his desire to uplift audiences and evoke joy through his art. His approach was not merely technical; it was about the passion and authenticity he brought to each performance, challenging the norms of rock music at the time. Today, Alvin Lee's influence remains significant, as his emphasis on freedom and emotional expression continues to resonate with musicians and fans alike. His legacy is not just in his iconic performances but also in his belief that music should inspire and connect people, making his insights as relevant now as they were during his peak.

Quote collection

Alvin Lee quotes

18 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.

Alvin Lee Musician
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"Strangely enough, through all those school years I decided at 13 or 14 I was going to be a musician and so school was just something to get out of the way, a waste of time and not to bother with it."

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Alvin Lee Musician
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"I just couldn't take school seriously: I had this guitar neck with four frets which I kept hidden under the desk. It had strings on it so I would practice my chord shapes under the desk and that's about all I did at school."

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Alvin Lee Musician
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"They have decided to tour under the name of Ten Years After which I don't think is very cool. To be honest, they have had to do that as it's the only way they can get any work."

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"I started off playing the clarinet, after I was inspired by listening to my dad's Benny Goodman records."

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"I began to learn a lot of chords and rhythms. It was a bit boring at the time but came in very handy later on."

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"So if you see Ten Years After, it's not me anymore. I'm very happy with what I am doing now."

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Alvin Lee Musician
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"There is a big age gap between my sisters Janice and Irma and myself so I didn't know them that well when I was younger although they have been very supportive in later life."

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"George Harrison was also a pleasure to work with. He was one of the most famous people I've ever known, but in spite of that fame, he was such a nice and friendly guy."

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"I went to see John Mayall at the Marquee, with Peter Green on guitar, and that was a particularly good gig."

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"It was by listening to Goodman's band, that I began to notice the guitarist Charlie Christian, who was one of the first musicians to play solos in a big band set-up."

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"I think a lot of modern day guitarists start off playing like Eddie van Halen, and they don't take the time to learn the basics."

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"The chances of a reunion now are less likely. I was thinking of having a 40th anniversary of the band, but now they are really another band, so it's all a bit weird."

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"I just play to the people I can see. So it's almost like you are playing to the first few rows of the crowd. You can see the faces of the first hundred people, but then it becomes a blur as the crowds disappear over the hill."

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"... I'm not conscious of the speed ... it's not my motive ... my motive is displaying a voice through the fingerboard ... it can get to the point where I don't have control over what I am playing ... I never end the gig until I can't sing anymore"

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"Anywhere you go in the world is what you make of it, not what you read in books."

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