Allan Holdsworth live in Tokyo 1984 + Interviews 

Jimmy Johnson does an incredible job behind Allan’s solos.

met Allan Holdsworth one time. I was working for Ryder Truck Rental in Ca and he and one of his crew walked in to pick up a truck to carry their gear around on tour. I just looked up and said you're Allan Holdsworth with this probably stunned shocked look on my face. His response was "Yes, Im sorry". All I could say was No... Im a fan. I had just seen him play on his previous tour at Calpoly Pomona. You don't expect to see a guitar god walk into your rental truck branch in Santa Fe Springs.

...Too rock to play on jazz stations and too jazz for rock station ... I think they were right because he IS on a different league than every body else. A genious that was second to none. Bless him. Rest in peace. The one and only Allan Holdsworth. 🖤

once you hear Holdsworth everything else sounds plain.

Sometime in 1989 I was getting my guitar repaired at a shop in Northern California when I saw this guitar sitting in a corner. I thought it looked cool so I asked the guitar tech if I could play it, which he did with a sly smirk on his face. He obviously knew I didn't recognize the instrument. Needless to say, I was amazed at how it played like butta. Imagine my surprise when the tech told me that previously belonged to AH. Jaws dropped, had to put it down immediately from shock and awe. Lifetime memory...

Playing the music of two of the most beautifully complex contemporary rock composers, Holdsworth, Zappa and they're so different, Chad Wackerman is "A MONSTER" in drums.

Allan shreds because he can, and because he has something to say. And my goodness has he got something to say. Genius RIP.

My brother says that this music helps him to not be so depressed at times, even stopping him from ending his life. I have always loved Allan Holdsworth's music and playing style. Alex Lifeson (of the band RUSH) said that he (Alex) was very much inspired by Allan Holdsworth's playing style, during the early years of RUSH.

Chad Wackerman is a monster, he did a tour with Zappa the same year as this. Brilliant.

i really liked the singer, great perfomance

Guy at work told me about this guy. Being a musician I am startled and ashamed that I just now heard of him. His playing is so original as if he created the instrument himself. Excellent melodic phrasing, great blending of scales and extremely fluent. Its really rejuvenating listening to this.

The absolute greatest electric guitarist of all time. Scott Henderson and Zappa are honorable mentions but never make it to the inventiveness and beauty that Holdsworth gave us. As a student of 20th century classical music and frankly as a physics professor I say with confidence that Holdsworth’s unique harmonic and melodic language exposed a facet of beauty no one else had previously discovered.

Paul Williams was a legend!!!! unfortunately was a UK singer underrated... Your legacy will never die!!!!!! RIP...

RIP Allan. You were a guitar god. Say hello to Jimi. You will be missed.

I never saw Allan in the 80s. But I saw him several times from 2005 until 2016. The one show that stood out for me was a show he did at Yoshi's ( 2010 ) in Oakland, with Terry Bozzio, Tony Levin and Pat Mastelotto. The show started out with pure improvisation. But at one point, Allan, Terry and Tony played one particular riff that tore me a new one. I swear Allan's solo on that tiny jam was the greatest piece of music I've ever heard. I was STUNNED. I walked out of the show lieterally ready to give up the guitar because I was so deeply shocked what I heard. Years later, Allan came to Sacramento with Virgil Donati. After that amazing show, I had the chance to sit and chat with Allan about the Yoshi's gig. He remembered it, claiming it was one of his best gigs he played on. He even said " That one was from another universe, I'll tell you. " I'm pretty certain he wasn't complaining about it--the tone in his voice expressed sadness, that he could never reproduce that little moment ever again. What an amazing musician who set such high standards. Sad that he's no longer with us.

Jimmy Johnson's playing during Allan's solo on White Line is out of this world. So melancholically beautiful and empathic, much like Allan's own playing

Jimmy Jonhson, the great Maestro

Everytime I watch this performance I am in awe. 35 years have gone by since this gig and it still sounds amazing. Just so far ahead of its time. Three incredible musicians taking music to another level, oh and I also enjoy the vocals as well.

The singer acquits himself well imo. Allan thank you so much for showing everyone what you can hear in your head. For me there‘s before AH and after AH, he is the pivotal musician for me…

Once you listen to him, you can’t stop. It’s just absolutely fascinating how he did it. RIP Allan. An inspiration to all guitarists.

I first heard Holdsworth on Luc Ponty's and Bruford's records back in the 80's. Magic.

The great CHAD WACKERMAN on the drums!!!

I recall reading an early interview with Allan where he was discussing his approach to the guitar, he said he was inspired by saxophone players more than guitarists, and wanted to incorporate that flowing sax style into his own playing. He more than succeeded!

Jimmy Johnson has, in my opinion, the best tone in the world

I heard that Jimmy Johnson walked up to Holdsworth after a concert once, told him he had studied all his music. And then this fantastic stuff happened.

I had the honor of meeting Allan and seeing him play at Berklee College of Music many years ago. I think it was in the late 80's/early 90's. My father took me. I was in absolute awe watching him play , like many others. Allan was probably THE most influential guitar player for me, he just had a way of writing these utterly amazing songs. We all know he was one of kind. His music - not just his playing - will be remembered forever. Just a phenomenal human being if you ever got a chance to meet him.

I went to this concert. I think that is the time when Mr. ALLAN was the best. In Japan, at those days , guitarists were especially respected, and there was no concern for the invitation of super guitarists.

I took a chance and went to the Baked Potato in Los Angeles, not knowing who was playing one Saturday night. I ended up about 5 feet from him and was completely blown away. I had been a fan for 25-30 years and never thought I would be so close to a guitar GOD like Allan. His playing was unbelievable. At the end of the set I said hi and he said hi as well and asked me how I liked the show. We talked for a couple of minutes and he left. What a humble gracious person. Great guitar player, great human being :)

I saw him twice....first with Chad and Jeff Berlin in Pittsburgh....and again in Florida with this line up....He signed a Forster beer bottle for me... Amazing as it gets

That two finger tapping in the first tune is a thing of absolute beauty. It’s so simple, but I’ve never heard anybody do it like that before. I’ve never been anything less than awestruck by Allan’s music.

The Tokyo Dream song changed my life forever.

Holdsworth is fearless and ferocious on White Line.

The fact that he mentioned “every once in a while they have a good show”! Talk about your standards being off the rails. Very similar of all geniuses in their field!

Allan has an original playing of instrument,he gave us more emoțions.he created a world of sounds,his vision about life.thanks Forever Allan!

A longtime dear friend of mine, Gordy Davis, Managed Allan for a spell & it was an amazing experience for me as a Guitar player to be able to hang out, break bread together & ride around in the car with him...Allan is such a genuinely cool guy and while it doesn't seem fair that so many other "so-called" "GuitarISTS" have sold so much, Allan is unique & is regarded highly by some of the most famous Guitar players...regardless of status, he left an imprint print on my playing and my heart.

A man of few words but endless talent on the guitar.

Jesus what a drummer.

If you'd understood his music you'd be overwhelmed by feelings ! To me Allan Holdsworth's music is the absolute highest form of musical expressiveness !

First time that I hear this vocals (Paul Williams)... ... ...This voice remember me Joe Lynn Turner mixed with David Lee Roth) .... Man... this guy is a Legend!!!!!

RIP Paul Williams.

Such fucking insane tone and distortion crunches, like fucking golden platinum fucking art

Out of high school I saw this very band about 87. 10 feet away from Allan and Flim. Effortless and the greatest bass tone I ever heard. Allan even apologised for his performance true to form for the total experience. It was like this: basically otherworldly.

The chords on the bass on the road games song are just divine!

Allan is an amazing guitarist and songwriter. Oh, and soloist as well. I saw him in the early 90's in Chicago across the street from Wrigley Field (at the Cubby Bear). He blew me away. Just an incredible, unique genius. His use of chords on the guitar would establish him as a genius alone but it is as a soloist where he truly shines. The Eric Dolphy / John Coltrane comparisons come up a lot and with good reason. As a kid I studied all his albums as a sideman and solo. This was before the internet made everything easier! That was the fun though. Tracking down his first early solo album where he plays some violin. Ahh, brilliant. Truly one of a kind. The mold was definitely broken when they made him! One more thing - a guy like Allan could have been cerebral and uppity but he is not. His passion is still intact. All the way through his career. Thank God, Buddha, Krishna, Science, whoever...for Allan Holdsworth!

I absolutely love this White Line Version!!!!!!!!!

I first heard of him in the late 70’s with Tony Williams and the lifetime band, needless to say I pivoted to the left and never looked back.

Favourite concert. Allan was an alien on a too short visit on earth. Miss him so much.

It's a shame we can't see any of Jimmys incredible playing...

I was there. In fact, the whistle on 1:15:00 is me! He was on a roll that night and so was the band. I had seen him live many times, but that night was very special and he played some of the best solos I had heard. His music was so original, creative and inspiring. Thank you Allan. We admire you and still listen to your incredible music.

Eddie Van Halen cited him as a major influence when he was recording 1984.

allan's playing is so beautiful, it still brings tears to my eyes. i have never felt something like that before i first heard his music. it was a somewhat disturbing experience, it turned my emotional world of music up side down. without him, music wouldnt be what it is today. and the sad thing is most people will never be aware of this.

And hats off for Jimmy and Chad and Paul. Jimmy is such a calm and cool monster bass player.

Timeless music from an outer terrestrial guitar god. Insane expressionism right there. Shakes me up good.

Rest In Peace Allan. I was 19 when I saw the Road Games tour with Berlin and Wackerman at a small jazz club here in Tempe. On acid. I also saw Metal Fatigue and Sand. Then again in 2007. The 80's shows were perspective-shifting experiences for me.

Allan Holdsworth with the great Jimmy Johnson on Bass !!

So onconventional, So unique, truly otherworldly... A Legend among us. Rest easy... You left us a legacy for the ages!

That first solo.... really..... its insane 👑💎✊🏻🇬🇧

Sublime..superb... Timeless Best concerts ages in modern times you got to love the 80..

Rest in Peace Allan. You were definitely 1 of akind! Your innovative approach to the instrument is both unique and unequaled!

This concert reminds me of my uncle, who really love Allan's music.

This gives me anxiety. How does that sound come out of him. How can those notes even be played in that progression and come out musically?! Is this man a genius, or is this just a different music style that I dont hear much of. His technical ability and precision is insane. Every note comes out clean and clear.

There will never be a guitarist like him again.

Allan was untouchable. SO GOOD❤

First saw Holdsworth when Jeff Berlin was on Bass and then again when Jimmie Johnson joined. Great both times.

there will never be another one like him!

Road Games blew me away when I bought the vinyl EP. I met Allan and Chad at a small bar in Pittsburgh named The Decade on The Road Games Tour. Allan was a very kind person indeed. Being a drummer but appreciating the guitar, I did chat with Chad more than AH. Wish I could reverse that now. I've forever been enamored with his guitar playing. He is a giant! RIP Allan.

Allan, Chad and Jimmy on top of their respective game!

i saw this tour , austin tx 1984 . it was great, inspriing , good memories He does and 8 fret chord here

19:37 Panic Station - Love it!

Brilliant concern. Allan is beyond brilliant.

Bought a Holdsworth CD back in 95, cause I heard he was shred. Gonna listen to him more now, now that he's dead. Respect to, maybe, the greatest electric guitar player of all time.

ever since hearing 'Fred' I have been enjoying the musicality of Allan...and this music is brilliantly conceived and performed.

Fantastic performance by all members of the band. Chad's drumming is extraordinary. Even though audio is in mono, there is sonic clarity. Thanks for sharing!!

Just mind boggling... the talent. What a gift!!!

One of a kind. RIP Allan

Had this on VHF since the eighties. Still spectacular 40 years later!

that solo on "Where Is One" is out of this world, and so is everything about Allan Holdsworth...see you in heaven

it's really difficult for me....how happy we are to be here! lol, got to love allan

Allan Holdsworth: every note carefully thought through. What a joy!

RIP Allan , This picked me up a little....

R.I.P.Alan Holdsworth Great Guitar player.

Deeply talented musicians on stage. I knew the name, but was not my kind of music when I was younger, but man, I can see his influence in many other guitarists I love. Allan is a genius who inspired other geniuses. There's something about guitarists who are tinkerers too.

A musical genius and a legato connoisseur

このライブは永遠に忘れない！

Material Unreal 46:21 is just a stunning achievement and breaks thru the need for any music labels.

Your walking slowly down that line... Your walking slowly down that line...

A true example of the sound comes from your hands, no equipment can give tones or expression that true artistry gives the music. Mr Holdsworth could pick up anything you have laying around and make you cry with just a few passages.

Grandissimo Alan 🎸🎸🎸

Phenomenal show omg

Pra mim, esse é o melhor guitarrista do mundo ninguém toca como ele

RIP Allan. You played amazing Music. Thank You. You're standing shoulder to shoulder with all the greats.

I've never heard something like this Magnífic!!!

First time seeing this...Gotta love youtube for helping me to find new shit! Holdsworth fan for years. This is badass!

Sooner or later all paths lead to Allan holdsworth.

Awesome set list!!! Amazing show!!! R.I.P Allan

Saw him at The Beacon Theater in NYC around this time (84) and it seemed like he soloed throughout the entire gig. Same guitar and I believe Danny Gottlieb sat in on the the drums. Of course Allan blew everyone away. Then Al DeMeola and his band played with Danny on the drums as well. RIP Mr. Holdsworth, you are still The Man. Thank you for the wonderful and inspirational music!

Love❤the tone and chemistry ❤

You can hear the direct influence of Holdsworth on Eddie on the 1984 deep cut Girl Gone Bad. It’s all there.

It has already been three years since Allan's passing. R.I.P.

Great to see this again. I had it on VHS years ago. I still pull my new strings up at the 12th fret to stretch them out because of this video :)