A number of rock and heavy metal musicians have reacted to the news of the death of legendary British guitarist and singer Alvin Lee, founder of the band TEN YEARS AFTER, who passed away early Wednesday (March 6) after complications following a routine surgical procedure.

Ric Lee (TEN YEARS AFTER drummer): "We are all stunned. All of us. I don't think it's even sunk in yet as to the reality of his passing. We are all thinking of his family and friends today, and offer our own condolences."

Leo Lyons (TEN YEARS AFTER bassist): "I heard about Alvin's passing and it came as a complete shock to me. I still haven't taken it in. I feel very sad. He was the closest thing I had to a brother. We had our differences, but we shared so many great experiences together that nothing can take away. I will miss him very much. He was an inspiration for a generation of guitar players. Keep on rockin', Alvin!"

FOGHAT: "So very sad to hear about the passing of Alvin Lee. Truly one of the great guitarists of our time. Our hearts and thoughts are with his family and friends. You will be missed, Alvin."

Joe Bonamassa (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION): "Rest in peace, Alvin Lee... Another hero gone this week... This is becoming too regular... A very sad night."

Geezer Butler (BLACK SABBATH): "Shocked and saddened to hear of Alvin Lee passing, one of the true greats and a major influence on SABBATH. The fastest guitar in the west. He was one of the few people that believed in SABBATH when we started out, and he got us our first major London gig, at the Marquee. A true gentleman and lovely bloke. RIP Alvin."

Slash (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES): "I just heard about Alvin Lee's passing. He was the 1st badass, super fast lead guitarist I remember hearing as a kid. legend. RIP."

Bill Ward (BLACK SABBATH): "Thank you, Alvin, for all that you were. For all that you gave. You were one of a kind. Your music rocked with passion, force, excitement; brave in risk, bringing this listener to the point of 'wowism'. In short, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Our condolences go to Alvin's family. Heartfelt sympathy at this time of loss.

Joe Satriani (CHICKENFOOT): "Alvin Lee was a big influence on my playing. He was a great musician and a gentleman too. I still have the pick he gave me a few years back... R.I.P. Alvin Lee."

Glenn Hughes (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, DEEP PURPLE): "RIP Alvin Lee...so very sad to hear of another friend passing..."

Danny Vaughn (TYKETTO): "So sad to lose Alvin Lee, one of the first great guitar heroes."

Jon Lord webmaster Rasmus: "RIP, Alvin Lee, who sadly passed away earlier today. Jon played on a few of his records, and — what's even more exciting — Jon, Lee and others used to jam at George Harrison's house during private get-togethers, and his widow has tapes of this."