Alvin Lee, former lead vocalist and guitarist for British band Ten Years After, has died after complications from a routine surgical procedure, his official website announced Wednesday. He was 68.
"We have lost a wonderful, much-loved father and companion," his family wrote on the site. "The world has lost a truly great and gifted musician."
Lee co-founded Ten Years After in the early 1960s with bassist Leo Lyons. The band earned its greatest fame after performing at the Woodstock Festival in 1969. Their performance faced technical issues, but their 12-minute encore rendition of "I'm Going Home" was filmed for the "Woodstock" documentary, and is considered by many to be one of the legendary event's highlights.
In addition to "I'm Going Home," the band is best known for "Hear Me Calling," "I'd Love to Change the World," and "Love Like a Man."
Lee left the band for a time in the 1970s, then returned, left again, and has numerous solo albums.
Fans quickly turned to Lee's site message board to share their thoughts.
"Hard to take in at the moment," wrote Graeme Armstrong. "Far too early for Alvin to go and all our thoughts must be with his close family at this incredibly sad time. I am in tears just now at work having just heard the news and it will take a while for reality to sink in."
Wrote Kevin Carver, "So, so sorry for your loss. Alvin Lee was the benchmark for me as a young guitarist in the 60's."
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