R.I.P. Allan Holdsworth, You will be missed.

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 16 Apr 2017 6:38 pm

His playing and music changed my life circa 1981. I've seen him play countless times since and hunted down almost every record he played on.

He was a true genius and he inspired so many.

Jeff Harbour · Post by **Jeff Harbour** » 16 Apr 2017 7:50 pm

Wow that's no good!!! To me he was the originator of the 'virtuoso' guitarist instrumental album era... laying the groundwork for guys like Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Tony MacAlpine, Gary Hoey, and many more. I absolutely love his playing on the self-titled "U.K." album... So Smooth!! RIP Allan, your life definitely made a difference!

Post by **Dave Mudgett** » 16 Apr 2017 11:40 pm

Wow, this was unexpected. He was truly ahead of his time, and a jaw-dropping player. He was one of those guys who really seemed to have no limitations.

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 17 Apr 2017 1:39 am

RIP Allan thanks for the music.

Here was one man who clearly made a difference with style and execution.

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 17 Apr 2017 4:34 am

A GoFundMe was started yesterday to help pay Allan's funeral expenses. His financial condition and that of his children is dire, according to friends of the family. On Allan's last tour, he often stayed in the homes of fans because there wasn't enough money for him to get a room at a motel. They couldn't even afford to rent the proper vehicle to transport gear.

These stories are so sad. Someone as immensely talented and with such a marked impact on the way the guitar is played. His artistic vision was so unique and he followed his own path, much to his own detriment and to our benefit. There will never be another. And for those who didn't know, he also played pedal steel a little, granted he did it his own way.

Allan Holdsworth Memorial Fund

Jeff Harbour · Post by **Jeff Harbour** » 17 Apr 2017 3:59 pm

Wow Mike... didn't know he played steel too. That puts him right up there in the same league as Danny Gatton for yet another reason!

Joel Martin · Post by **Joel Martin** » 19 Apr 2017 12:30 am

So sad and awful - he's been my favorite guitarist since I was 15. Such a genius.
I just saw him play two weeks ago tonight - still sounded amazing!

Jerry Hayes · Post by **Jerry Hayes** » 19 Apr 2017 6:36 am

RIP Alan ! He was indeed a guitar genius if there ever was one.. I know he was an endorser of Carvin and Kiesel guitars with his own signature models also.. Does anyone know of his age at passing?.........JH in Va.

Paul Arntson · Post by **Paul Arntson** » 19 Apr 2017 10:08 am

Very sad indeed. One of my heroes to be sure.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allan_Holdsworth

Jeff Harbour · Post by **Jeff Harbour** » 19 Apr 2017 10:28 am

Jerry Hayes wrote:Does anyone know of his age at passing?

NY Times said 70.

John Brabant · Post by **John Brabant** » 22 Apr 2017 4:23 pm

https://www.google.com/amp/ew.com/music ... neral/amp/

Quentin Hickey · Post by **Quentin Hickey** » 24 Apr 2017 10:02 am

I've only been a fan the last few years but love his music. He is a true outside thinker and progressive guitar player. Not scared to take a chance.

Godfrey Arthur · Post by **Godfrey Arthur** » 8 May 2017 12:56 pm

Godspeed Allan!

I met Allan at a music store in southern California he was friends with the owner and was helping the store owner move. Allan lived a few doors down from said store. Very quiet man. His contribution to music precedes him.

Don McClellan · Post by **Don McClellan** » 15 May 2017 4:20 pm

For those who might not be familiar with Allan Holdsworth and his music, he was to fusion guitar what Buddy Emmons was to PSG. The king! And if you've never listened to fusion guitar here is a YouTube link to an interesting display of fusion guitar playing by several different, young players. Holdsworth is not in this video but his influence is all over it. RIP Allan Holdsworth.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrQJjT66KUI

Glen Derksen · Post by **Glen Derksen** » 19 Jun 2017 12:05 am