British guitarist analyses Alvin Lee's 1969 Woodstock performance! 

When Rock was real no digital shit,no computer. No phonies. REAL! Ten Years after was a fabulous band

Not only speed, but a spacey phrasing and bop that was definitely unique back in 1969. Alvin and Ten Years deserved to be in the ROCK Hall much more than many of the recent choices.

Some guitar players are known for speed and others for feel but Alvin had both and added emotion to the mix. My all time favorite player..

How is Alvin Lee not in the Hall of Fame?? An incredible guitar player...the entire band beautiful

that guitar intro must be one of the most electrifying 12 seconds ever played...

One of the most awesome live performances of all time!

I am so happy to see I am not alone.. Alvins playing was brilliant vibrant and unique... but not everyone got it. but those who did.. are fans forever... tgere has been no other to replace him.

Still one of THE best opening guitar solos of ALL time. Man he was incredible. Thanks Fil. We miss Alvin Lee

Have to say that those cameramen at Woodstock did truly wonderful work - hand holding 16mm cameras with the lenses racked right out - with moving performers - and in such low light that manual focusing was very difficult. They deserve, at least, a kindly mention.

No one has ever moved me emotionally with their music like Alvin Lee. He's always been my favorite artist and has never got the credit he deserved.

Probably the best overall rock guitarist and definitely the most underrated

As a 13yo guitarist playing since age 7, Alvin's performance here was one of my major inspirations. Still simply incredible and filled with heartfelt energy!

It's one thing to nail a tune like this in studio but to do it flawlessly live on the biggest stage of the century...to not miss a single note or phrase AND to bring the x factor...is jaw dropping.

I saw Alvin & Ten Years After at Rosevelt Stadium in Jersey City 1975/76. My face melted watching him play! Incredible talent!

The BEST PERFORMANCE of Woodstock!!

Alvin Lee .... One of the ALL time greats .

Alvin and Rory you’ll never be forgotten 💔🇬🇧

I heard Alvin play in 1969 and he’s been my favorite guitar god ever since RIP Alvin you are missed.

The only word I can describe him is a GOD,the dynamic betwen Leo Lyons and Alvin Lee was unique,the whole band menbers was amazing musicians.Ten Years After deserve to be in the rock and roll hall of fame.It's 7 years ago he passed away.RIP Alvin Lee. Love from Sweden!

Alvin Lee is a wonderful Blues guitarist. One of the best, most, under rated guitarists ever. Rest easy, Mr. Lee, your music will always remain alive!

thank you for talking about Alvin Lee. We can’t let greats like him and Ten Years After disappear into history. Unfortunately, the performance you reacted to has been taken down. Glad I could see part of it on your channel. ✨🤘🎸💙

"I'd love to change the world" is one of the most prophetic songs of all time. RIP Alvin Lee

I was there And yes the sound and playing were amazing. Clear Volume Not loudness. Alvin, Carlos ,Jimi All played it to the stars, Flawless, and just like we wanted to hear it. Kudos to Woodstock producers and soundmen Never a glitch, feedback disyortion and so clear No description possible

One of my all time favorite performances/songs of any musician of any genre--still gives me the chills every time I hear it...

Not just Angus Young taking notes from this cat, lots of other players, too! Fantastic artist, and band!

I believe that Alvin once said he didn't start playing seriously until he was 15 years old. That makes his accomplishments even more impressive. He and SRV are two brilliant guitarists who put their hearts and souls into every performance. Another great analysis, Fil!

The bass player and drummer kept this song tight

It's August 1, 2021. Alvin Lee is one of the best top 10 electric guitar players EVER!! 🎸 I'm almost 70 years old.

Alvin Lee was in a class by himself. Yeah in 1969, he was an amazing blues player. Thanks for this one!

Everyone talks about Hendrix but no. This was far and away the hottest guitar and Woodstock he was blowing the frets clean off his guitar

Alvin Lee is the master guitarist. Absolutely brilliant. Pure talent👏👏

Bad ass Alvin Lee, saw him many times when he toured California... Partied with him and his band many years ago.. To me, one of the most underrated lead guitarists/writers/performers ever ... High TIde and Green Grass... thanks for the awesome review and good memories, yea I am that old LOL

One of my all time favorite videos. At the end when he “brings it home” leaves you drained. An amazing performance. Thanks

Thanks for featuring this performance. Alvin was just an amazing artist and apart from this he really never got appreciated like the Pages, Becks and Claptons but he was faster than any of those guys and, as you noted, deeply versed in so many guitar genres.

The absolute best performance at Woodstock. A lot of great music, but this was the best of them all! Peace

For a younger guy (to me anyway) this guy's observations are incredible. The thing he said about the phones getting in the way of people directly enjoying an experience whether it's a concert or anything else. And the difference between the way people appreciated music in the '60s in the bad old (technology 'impoverished') but, creatively-speaking, good old days when a lot of this distracting and and highly addictive technology didn't exist...which I am utilizing right now to compose this comment. Brilliant comments though. And I see this everyday. People going to the seashore where I live and instead of enjoying the mystical and majestical sights and sounds of mother nature around them they have the phone between them and all these experiences. Instead of just looking at a beautiful multi-hued, watercolor dripping sunset they have to look at it through their damn phones. Sad. Babies who can't wean themselves off the electronic pacifier. This guy is absolutely spot on about this stuff. Apparently his sister is a psychologist. He seems to be a bit of one himself. As well as obviously an amazing analyst of music and a competent multi- instrumentalist. Great channel.

I love the little electronic chunks he gets out of the guitar at just the right moments in the song.

Alvin Lee goes from ZERO to MACH 5 in ONE SECOND! It's AMAZING!. This and Santana's "Soul Sacrifice" are my favorite Woodstock performances.

Phil is an incredibly good music analyst. How cool to have the ability to explain and convey the nuances of Alvin Lee AND how closely Barbra Streisand hits perfect pitch with the same conviction.

I got news for you, Hendrix had nothing on this guy. Alvin Lee was an absolute MONSTER on the guitar. Pretty good voice also. Ten Years After was a great rock/blues band.

Alvin Lee A great guitarist who's definitely underrated. Page and Plant spoke highly of this man.

I was 13 when Woodstock occurred. The album was released in 1970. EVERYONE was playing this track - over & over!!! WE were exhausted just listening to it. ☮️

A lot of people forget he was considered one of, if not the fastest guitar players in the world at that time.

There is no guitar face like Alvin Lee. He invented Guitar Face.. RIP Alvin

Alvin Lee's; "I'd like to change the World", is an absolute gem of a tune from this irrepressible player. This is not to detract in any way from the performance being discussed here. Thanks Fil, for your usual illuminating analysis.

I met Alvin Lee walking through Flushing Meadow Park...He was GREAT...RIP Mr.Alvin Lee..

I remember the entire Woodstock movie played on PBS TV once a year and if you missed it, you had to wait for the next year. We didn't have RU-vid, downloading capability and you couldn't buy the DVD or video at the store or order it on Amazon. I've always loved this song so much, his amazing guitar work is so classic! I loved how he sang all those old 50's rockabilly songs in there.

I was born at the right time seeing so many shows at Filmore East and other NYC venues that the bands poured their heart and soul into the performance. These performances are still embedded in my brain after 50 plus years.

Thanks for doing TYA Fil! Alvin always gave every single live performance 200%. You can truly see how much he loves the music. The bassist was phenomenal as well. We appreciated TYA so much back in '69 that we named our band "Stonehenge" in reference to their 1969 LP...

My favourite band of all time featuring one of the greatest guitarists of all time, Alvin Lee: not to mention one of the best ever bass guitarists, Leo Lyons. I am 70 yrs old now but love listening to TYA The band never received fair recognition of their outstanding performances (except by the great Woodstock crowd who were won over by their superb set) RIP Alvin

TYA's performance was arguably the best of the Woodstock film.

Alvin Lee, ...was the Bruce Lee with the guitar.. very fast and intempestive. Simply awesome, RIP.

Alvin and Santana were monsters at Woodstock. My father always joked that Woodstock was civilizations pinnacle. Santana's tone, phrasing and blistering melodic fusion of Latino influences makes his music so enjoyable. Me and my father worshipped Alvin's capacity to play fast ( with techniques that were ahead of his time) and was still able to to play and phrase individual notes with pure emotion. His song the " Bluest Blues" is a masterpiece. I think this song featured , George Harrison, need I say more? My father and I were very upset that a minor operational procedure took Alvin away from us to soon. Fil, your rant on phones and copywriter issues was a classic. Keep up the good work.

The entire band absolutely slay on this track. I listen to this when I need a bit of an energy boost, the walking bass line and the stinging riffs stay with me long after the song finishes.

I saw him live at the Filmore East in1970. I still have the program.

I'm not a guitarist nor a musician but somehow people like me can still hear the difference between a great guitarist and a GREAT guitarist like Alvin Lee, such clarity. Thanks to whoever recommended this.

😂 grew up with some 10 years after. Yep I’m old! ✌️

I was born in 1973 in communist Yugoslavia. That country was the "west" for other countries under the Soviet boot, behind the "Iron Curtain". There was no repression for music, the "New Wave" and the punk movement took place in parallel in Great Britain and Yugoslavia. In the early '80s, when I was about 10, I started listening to rock music and I remember the days when I bought AC / DC vinyl "Highway To Hell". What a shock it was for me, I couldn't believe what I was listening to. A few days later I bought '' Ace Of Spades'' and Iron Maiden '' Piece of Mind''. I was an incredible talent for football and I had to move to Belgrade because a famous team wanted me. I was already hooked on the guitar and there was nothing from my football career. And just at that time I saw this video on National TV, Alvin Lee and "I'm Going Home"... I watched like a hypnotized chicken, maybe I inhaled the air 10 times in those 11 minutes. There are very few life-changing moments and that night Alven Lee changed my life forever. The way he played, the precision, the speed, the clear sound, the crazy look, everything I hadn't seen anywhere before, and even after that I saw something like that a couple of times. Of course, the whole band is amazing and I think it’s the best gig at Woodstock. I'm happy to have grown up without a cell phone, a computer, all that crazy technology that is good as long as a person uses it but it's bad because it easily starts to use a person. It's good that the computer gives everyone the opportunity to record what they do, but it's bad that most bands sound and play the same. In our "analog" time, the band had to play really well to even get a chance to show the audience what they know. Thanks to Alvim Lee for beautifying my childhood and showing me the right way. I don't know what it would be like without him, but with him, everything made sense. Rest in peace maestro, you will never be forgotten ...

At the age of 61, I've listened to a lot of Rock-N-Roll. I believe this is my favorite rock tune of all time. Glad you are turning on other folks to it.

Legendary performance by Ten Years After! Alvin Lee on the trail of Chuck Berry! Insane performance from the whole band! I experienced Ten Years After live myself, in Berlin (West) 1990! Pure rock and roll! Alvin Lee hadn't lost any of his blues rock feeling! Clearly one of the most underrated guitarists ever!

It was a sad day when Alvin passed away. He was to do a tour with the other great Johnny Winter. The thought of seeing them together was a dream and then they both passed away. Horrible loss. He was such a bad ass.

Great analyses Fil, a few add on for you ..Alvin was blowing us Nottingham lads away with much the same style/technique back in 1963/64 with the Jaybirds playing local pubs and dance halls. I had personal lessons with him at his home in Wollaton,Nottingham ..he was so far ahead of anyone else at the time. R.I.P (Graham Barnes ) aka Alvin Lee.

I remember seeing his performance in the movie when it was first released. Was blown away. By far the most dynamic performance of the festival out of many great great performances.

A very underrated badass. He's was using techniques that a lot of guitar players(in rocknroll) were not using and didn't have the skills to use. A true BURNER!!!

Thank you for bringing this wonderful guitar player to your channel an doing the break down. I absolutely love this song and now I know the reason why.

My First Guitar Hero. When I Look back , in 1971 , in my School Books - nearly in each page I wrote : Alvin Lee 😁👏👏

I've seen a lot of great guitar players in concert. Alvin was as good as any of them. It's a shame he rarely gets mentioned as being one of the greats. Thanks for reviewing this video.

If you were lucky enough to see these guys live when they were at heir peak, you remember what a great show they put on of solid rock and roll.

Alvin has always been a favorite and I have been listening to him since the 60s. I love this version of this song. It shows Alvin's speed and talent, and the bass player is a beast. Alvin also had the best stank faces of all time. 🙂 I also love and respect your comments about people and their phones. It is very sad and very true.

I was fortunate enough to see Ten Years After live in the 70's. Blew the roof off.

I never had the opportunity to see Ten Years After, but I was listening to his music back then when I was in junior high and have always loved his playing style. He was snubbed the Rolling Stone magazine in their top 100 guitar players. He should be number 2 in my book. Everyone is impressed by Eddie Van Halen, but I think Alvin Lee blows him away in playing and performance. Leo Lyons is absolutely amazing on the bass with Alvin. RIP Alvin Lee.

Love how our host Phil is so obviously digging this performance. I think it's one of the three greatest performances from Woodstock.

Alvin Lee´s performance electrified me as a 12 year old watching the Woodstock film. What a sound! What technique! What phrasing! What lines! Alvin knew how to grab the audience´s attention and was able to pace himself over the duration. He was also a great singer. RIP.

How can anyone sit still while listening to this track?? 😲😂😂😂 I'm a 69 year old hippie who still jumps around like crazy when "I'm going home" starts 🥰🥰🥰This and a lot of other solid rock songs from the 60s and 70s were indescribably wonderful to smoke hash to🥳😁

Trust me when I tell you that this performance was literally superhuman. When you perform before a crowd like that and "connect" with the audience, you can utilize part of their energy. That coupled with a serious dose of amphetamines and you have history in the making.

My first guitar hero and first concert (by choice). Alvin was the MAN! Rock In Peace!

Fil, You really hit a point with saying, "What a sorry state of affairs!" we're in. Everything has to go back to the ways it should be. I never get my phone out & record, in fact most artists won't let you anymore. Not only that the copyright issues are out of control. My heart goes out to anyone who is in the music (artistic level) business trying to make a living. I love Alvin Lee! Thank you for the technique rundown that the band used! Peace! Respect!!! 🤘 ❤️ 🤘

This was hands down THE GREATEST PERFORMANCE at Woodstock from one the greatest fastest blues guitarists of all time. He left a fabulous body of work with an incredible range of musicality. Not just speed but phrasing and he knew how to leave the space between the notes. He might be forgotten today but this performance said it all.

Really enjoyed your take on this brilliant performance. I came away from his mesmerizing gig absolutely blown away. He could have cut diamonds with his guitar. Can you imagine if he and Carlos had jammed together? Wow!

Simply the greatest live rock performance of all time. He just had more raw talent than is ever contained in a single man. Fil delivers great insights!!!

I was upfront of stage at Woodstock 69 and being a guitarist too my mouth hit the floor!!!

The fantastic Ten Years After. Saw these at Bath Blues in 1970, were fantastic. As a 15 year old music fan I was lucky enough to live next door to Pete Gilmour (Dave - Pink Floyd’s brother) and he took me with his uni mates. Watch some amazing performances. This music has lived with me forever. Thanks for the analysis.

Aug. 2021; saw the Woodstock movie in Tampa, FL after my military service (Thailand). Most of the movie audience did not know who Alvin Lee was. When he was done, we applauded. Every metal guitarist should listen to Alvin Lee to see what real speed playing a guitar should be!!!

Man, these guys are just FUN to watch! Energy, passion and for a three piece they are tearing it UP! This is FIRE! Crazy skills that hits hard because it's live. So good! And I'm with you all the way on phones. The band is RIGHT THERE PLAYING! Form a memory not a memory file to watch later.

Thank you for doing Alvin. One of my all time fav's. The fact that you chose to analyse this Woodstock performance is especially appreciated. I heard a rumor once that when Hendrix heard Alvin playing that night, he commented that he wished he could play that fast. Also, Alvin had the best guitar face in the business. A very under appreciated artist. RIP Alvin.

First TIME I heard this on LP was THE Woodstock 69 jam...i would keep moving the needle BACK & forth on IM GOING HOME...IT WAS 1974 WHEN I HEARD IT for my first......allways loved Alvin's badass fast FINGERS....very talented for 69 pickers...

My late husband grew up with Alvin , they were cousins and very close. RIP to them both .🎸🎵🎶🎵🎸

He was brilliant and so underrated. RIP

First brought ten years after albums in the second half of the sixties what a great band. First saw them in the early seventies at The Reading festival they were the headline act and were amazing. Alvin is another great guitarist that what I call pure guitarists (no foot pedals) like Michael Bloomfield, Leslie West, Rory Gallagher, Roy Buchanan and Danny Gatton just to name a few.

Ten Years After played at the gym at my college, SUNY at Stony Brook, on Apr 19, 1969, before Woodstock. I was literally on the floor right in front of Alvin Lee. It was magic, one of the best concerts of my life. And we had some amazing concerts with top touring bands when I was there 1968-1972. Thanks and RIP, Alvin!

Fil, your comments on the audience of today vs. yesteryear are absolutely spot on. Back in the day an artist/Band would feed off the effect they had on the audience. A good show could become a great one or a mediocre one could become a trainwreck. Well thought out on your part.

Amazing! Live music is so much better when the band is clearly feeling incredible joy at what they’re doing. It’s also pretty cool that they got George Harrison to sit in on drums.

Loved hearing your extremely articulate dissection of Alvin's incredible & timeless performance. A great review !

Your excellent brother. Alvin I grew up listening to and loving. Your so right about him. Rock on. I love that you respect what he did, especially in 69. ✌️❤️😎🎸

Alvin i still miss him! One of the best!!! My dearest Alvin RIP

Had the pleasure of Seeing Alvin & TYA 3x In The 70’s and he blew the roof off the venue every time. Loved that guy, he was phenomenal R.I.P. Alvin 🎸

This was one outstanding performance, no doubt. You also did a very good analyses as well. I believe Alvin was a way, way under rated guitarist and performer. He did excellent in song writing also. Alvin definitely deserved much more attention and recognition than he got!!! I do like your videos!!!

I m 68 y.o. saw the movie in 1970. Absolutely mind blowing. I knew about the Woodstock festival the year before.

"A Space In Time" is one of my favorite albums from anyone.

As a 60s teenager and band member; this performance will always stick in my memory. Brilliant