Many prominent guitarists altered the rock music world by introducing new methods and signature styles to guitar playing. There’s little doubt that some of them had a greater influence on how we approached the guitar.
When we think of the best guitarists of all time, Jimi Hendrix is certainly one of the first names that comes to mind. He had a natural talent with an exceptional grasp of the guitar. Hendrix’s creative technique expanded the possibilities of guitar playing and established him as a legend in rock history. Hendrix performed confidently, deconstructing the ‘conventional‘ style of playing.
Jimmy Page, a Led Zeppelin icon, is also regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. His distinctive technique allowed him to elevate guitar playing to new heights. In particular, his fantastic riffs are well-known and identifiable. Page had previously stated in interviews that one of the factors contributing to his success was consistent practice.
Although Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page are well-known, Mötley Crüe’s Mick Mars claims that another guitar great, Alvin Lee, had a significant influence on him. Let us take a closer look at Alvin Lee’s influence on music.
How Did Alvin Lee Influence Rock Music?
Alvin Lee was Ten Years After’s lead vocalist and guitarist, and the band was extremely popular in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The band is well-known for their hit songs ‘I’m Going Home,’ ‘Love Like a Man,’ and ‘I’d Love to Change the World. Although Ten Years After was a popular band, Alvin Lee felt that the band’s style no longer satisfied him, so he left in 1973 to pursue his solo career.
After leaving the band, Alvin Lee worked with several musicians, including George Harrison and Mick Fleetwood. He then rejoined Ten Years After in 1988 and continued to perform with them. Lee was most renowned for his long guitar solos and quick playing. He was highly influenced by jazz and blues music, but his primary passion was rock & roll.
Ten Years After’s performance of ‘I’m Going Home‘ at the Woodstock music festival received a lot of attention, particularly after the release of the ‘Woodstock’ documentary. Alvin Lee’s guitar prowess was well appreciated, and his tense and fast style of playing had a significant impact on audiences.
Besides Hendrix And Page, Mick Mars Named Alvin Lee As One Of His Guitar Heroes
It may surprise some that Mick Mars named Alvin Lee as one of his guitar heroes. In a prior interview with Eddie Trunk, Mick Mars stated that he had numerous guitar heroes, but Alvin Lee was the first name that came to mind.
In Mick Mars’ words:
“A lot of my heroes are solo guitar players, including Alvin Lee, Jimi Hendrix, and Jimmy Page. Those people have their distinct sounds, and when they began playing their solos, it was so rich. You didn’t need a guitarist, which is the type of band I’ve always wanted.”
When asked about their guitar idols, most people would probably mention Jimi Hendrix or Jimmy Page, but Alvin Lee appears to be a more modest name. Alvin Lee certainly has a particular place in Mick Mars’ heart, most likely because of his undervalued skill and ingenuity, which Mars may connect to as a fellow underrated guitarist.
You can see Mick Mars’ entire interview below.
