Yesterday (Saturday, March 3rd), legendary rock guitarist and MONTROSE/GAMMA leader RONNIE MONTROSE passed away, losing his five year battle with prostate cancer. He was 64 years old. Born in Denver, Colorado, Montrose's first break when he played VAN MORRISON's classic 1971 album, Tupelo Honey. He also appeared on recordings by BOZ SCAGGS and the EDGAR WINTER GROUP (1972's They Only Come Out At Night) before going solo under the Montrose moniker in 1973 (with a very young SAMMY HAGAR on vocals), which is heralded as a classic with such memorable songs as 'Rock the Nation', 'Bad Motor Scooter', 'Rock Candy' and 'Space Station #5'.

More of hard rock's elite have paid tribute to the influential musician:

Nikki Sixx (MÖTLEY CRÜE): "Ronnie Montrose's first two Montrose albums and his work with EDGAR WINTER changed my musical life forever. RIP."

David Ellefson (MEGADETH): "RIP Ronnie Montrose!!! I had the pleasure of playing bass for him circa 2005-07. Such a powerhouse human being."

JOE SATRIANI: "R.I.P. Ronnie Montrose."

Alex Skolnick (TESTAMENT): "RIP Ronnie Montrose. Though often overlooked, still a towering figure of Bay Area hard rock. 1st Montrose album = essential."

Dee Snider (TWISTED SISTER): "Just found out that the legendary Ronnie Montrose died. That first Montrose album was life changing for me."

Billy Sheehan (MR. BIG): "Rest in Peace, Ronnie Montrose. First Montrose record—one of the greatest rock records ever made."

Myles Kennedy (ALTER BRIDGE, SLASH): "Sad to hear Ronnie Montrose passed away. 'Rock Candy' was one of the first songs I ever learned."

Matt Sorum (VELVET REVOLVER, ex-GUNS N' ROSES, THE CULT): "Lost the great Ronnie Montrose. Check out the first couple of Montrose records if you don't know him. Classic and great. RIP Ronnie."

PETER FRAMPTON: "Saddened to hear the passing of friend Ronnie Montrose. He was a wonderful person and an amazing guitar player, I will miss you dear Ronnie."

The following message has been posted on Montrose's official website:

"A few months ago, we held a surprise party for Ronnie Montrose's 64th birthday. He gave an impromptu speech, and told us that after a long life, filled with joy and hardship, he didn't take any of our love for granted.

He passed today. He'd battled cancer, and staved off old age for long enough. And true to form, he chose his own exit the way he chose his own life. We miss him already, but we're glad to have shared with him while we could."

Ronnie Montrose ~ 1947-2012