Right after Sammy Hagar left the band a year before
For those of us who came of age, both chronologically and musically, in the '60's and especially '70's, rock was a part of who we were and how we viewed the world around us. It was a time of incredible innovation....and some amazing talent. Witness the popularity today of "classic rock" stations even among the young.
I've been slinging rock/blues guitar for well over 40 years. Ronnie's "Montrose" album, with a very young Sammy Hagar handling vocals, absolutely ranks as a classic on anyone's list of "Must Have Rock Albums". It quite simply kicked ass.
Try to sit still while listening to the thunderous opening to "Rock Candy" (all you drummers out there....you know what I mean). "Bad Motor Scooter" will still blow your socks off. This album was years ahead of its time.
Montrose's work with Edgar Winter was highly underrated, IMHO. Listen to his playing on "They Only Come Out at Night", especially the radio staple "Frankenstein" (named such since it was an amalgam of many different musical parts created over a long period of time, finally "sewn" together into this tour de force).
His work with Gamma, his solo efforts, all amount to a significant body of work that highlighted his talent, melodic sense, and raw power.
The man could play. I am sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to his longtime wife and his loved ones.
He will be missed.
We lost the great Gary Moore last year, now Ronnie Montrose. Somewhere there is one HELL of a band.......
Right after Sammy Hagar left the band a year before
Sad loss! As a Rock/Blues/Country guitarist I play in an odd style,,, with bare fingers. Used to use fingerpicks. My style was developed by learning the Earl Scruggs 5-string banjo method. Sadly, Earl Scruggs has also passed. Just a day or so ago, 8^(
RIP. Add another one to The List.
Sorry to hear this. I saw Montrose at the LA Forum in the 70s when Sammy Hagar was the lead singer. They were the opening act for Kiss. Ronnie was a great guitarist.
Very true! My older brothers saw Montrose back in 73. I was a little young at the time, maybe 10? But I remember them turning me on to them....they rocked!
“Your my Candy baby...your hard sweet and sticky”
Good stuff
Rest in Peace Mr. Montrose...God bless your family.
Your rock/metal collection isn't complete without that first 'Montrose' album with a very young Sammy Hagar on the vocals.
One of my very favorite concerts was a Rainbow/Gamma event in a small theater back in the late 70's. Second row seats...two of the greatest guitarists ever (Blackmore and Montrose) less than twenty feet away; if that. My ears were never the same... :-)
RIP.
I’m 33, and first discovered Montrose in the early 90’s. I first heard Bad Motor Scooter on the radio and thought it was some new Sammy or unreleased Van Hagar song I haven’t heard before and wondered if it was from the then upcoming Balance CD. I later found it was Montrose and got the 73 release and still have it. VH was certainly influenced by them.