As reported yesterday (March 6th), TEN YEARS AFTER leader Alvin Lee has died aged 68. His family announced on his official website that he unexpectedly died on March 6th following complications during routine surgery. The Nottingham, UK-born musician rose to fame after appearing at the Woodstock festival in 1969. The band, who had eight Top 40 albums in the UK, had their biggest hit in 1971 with 'I'd Love To Change The World'. "We have lost a wonderful and much loved father and companion, the world has lost a truly great and gifted musician," said the statement from his wife and daughters.

A number of musicians from the hard rock/metal community have shared their condolences and memories:

BLACK SABBATH's Geezer Butler: "Shocked and saddened to hear of Alvin Lee passing, one of the true greats and a major influence on Sabbath. The fastest guitar in the west. He was one of the few people that believed in Sabbath when we started out, and he got us our first major London gig, at the Marquee. A true gentleman and lovely bloke. RIP Alvin."

SLASH: "I just heard about Alvin Lee's passing. He was the 1st badass, super fast lead guitarist I remember hearing as a kid. legend. RIP."

Bill Ward (Black Sabbath): "Thank you, Alvin for all that you were. For all that you gave. You were one of a kind. Your music rocked with passion, force, excitement; brave in risk, bringing this listener to the point of 'wowism'. In short, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Our condolences go to Alvin’s family. Heartfelt sympathy at this time of loss.

JOE SATRIANI: "Alvin Lee was a big influence on my playing. He was a great musician and a gentleman too. I still have the pick he gave me a few years back... R.I.P. Alvin Lee."

GLENN HUGHES: "RIP Alvin Lee...so very sad to hear of another friend passing...

Danny Vaughn (TYKETTO): "So sad to lose Alvin Lee, one of the first great guitar heroes.

JON LORD webmaster Rasmus: "RIP, Alvin Lee, who sadly passed away earlier today. Jon played on a few of his records, and - what's even more exciting - Jon, Lee and others used to jam at George Harrison's house during private get togethers, and his widow has tapes of this."

Alvin Lee released his 14th record, Still On The Road To Freedom, in August last year. He was due to play a concert at Olympia Hall in Paris on April 7th with blues guitarist JOHNNY WINTER.