It’s a huge bummer to have to report on the passing of legendary guitarist Ronnie Montrose, whose eponymous band — fronted by vocalist Sammy Hagar — released so many songs that I loved while growing up in the seventies. According to an article up now at Rolling Stone, Montrose died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound on Saturday, March 3rd, 2012, having suffered from clinical depression since childhood. A sad loss for music. Ronnie Montrose was 64 years old.
Simply put, Montrose was “Van Halen” years before there was a Van Halen. And I don’t believe that Ronnie received the kind of props that he truly deserved. I had heard that he was sick a while ago, however, this still comes as shocking sad news nonetheless.
TOP THREE REASONS WHY RONNIE MONTROSE WAS MOST AWESOME:
1. Rock the Nation
2. Bad Motor Scooter
3. Rock Candy
‘Nuff sed — Rock on Ronnie!
Oh, f**k. I can’t believe another rocker gone so young. What the hell. I loved Montrose–have stuff on vinyl. Dammit.
Ronnie really didn’t get the recognition due him. He put out some excellent solo albums which really showcased his talent as a phenomenal musician.