Cream was Clapton, Bruce, and Baker. Period.
That said, Alan Holdsworth was a phenomenal guitar player, head and shoulders above pretty much everybody; really nobody to compare to him. Unfortunately, his music was— while loved by a lot of guitar players (me, for one)— largely incomprehensible to the average listener. Sadly, he died in poverty; not even enough money for his funeral.
All too true.
Allen’s music was musicians music.
Not very appealing to the cultural mainstream.
That he died a pauper is such a shame.