Alvin Lee, a British guitarist who lit up Woodstock with a monumental 11-minute version of his song “I’m Going Home,” has died, according to his website.
He passed away Wednesday at age 68.
A note signed by Lee’s daughter, Jasmin and wife, Evi, reads:
“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 great and truly gifted musician.”
His 1969 Woodstock performance catapulted him into elite class of British guitar heroes, which included Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page and Pete Townshend.
In an image from the 1973 book Rock Dreams, Alvin Lee and those four others are all pictured in tuxedos carrying guitar cases into a building.
“Groups would play for an hour without pausing, not to be mobbed or screamed at but in hopes of an ovation,” critic Nik Cohn wrote about them.
Despite his status, Lee never reached the critical or popular heights of his countrymen. Lee released his latest album, “Still on the Road to Freedom,” last August.