Alvin Lee of Ten Years After died today at the age of 68 while undergoing routine surgery.

His wife and daughters posted the following on Lee’s website:

With great sadness we have to announce that Alvin unexpectedly passed away early this morning after unforseen complications following a routine surgical procedure. We have lost a wonderful much-loved father and companion, the world has lost a truly great and gifted musician. Jasmin, Evi and Suzanne.”

After leaving Ten Years After in 1973, Lee went on to record 14 solo albums. He collaborated with dozens of musicians, including Ronnie Wood, Mick Taylor, George Harrison and Mick Fleetwood.

I know a lot of guitar players who hung out and played with Alvin Lee. Everyone of them loved the man. He was a sweetheart.

Anyone growing up in the Sixties will remember this legendary performance at Woodstock: Ten Years After performing “I’m Going Home.”