R.I.P. Ronnie Montrose

California Music Awards 2002

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ronnie Montrose yesterday. Besides being one of rock’s early guitar icons, he was a friend and big influence on the way we wanted the first Van Halen album to sound like. I remember all of us (VH) wanting Ted Templeman, who produced the first Montrose album, to make us sound big like them!! Van Halen opened for Ronnie on a bunch of shows during our first tour in ’78, and I’ve jammed with Ronnie numerous times since. He was always great to hang with, and very dedicated to his craft. My condolences go out to his family, friends, and Sammy, Dennie Carmassi, and Bill Church, the original Montrose band. Ronnie, you touched all of us.

Speak Your Mind