Guitarist Ronnie Montrose Dies

Rock guitar player Ronnie Montrose died March 3 in his Milbrae, California home at the age of 64. At the time of his death, Montrose was working on a DVD and a new tour of the US. No official cause of death has been stated, but there is speculation that Montrose died as a result of prostrate cancer – a disease he had battled in the past.

On the home page of Montrose’s official website is the message…

“A few months ago, we held a surprise party for Ronnie Montrose's 64th birthday. He gave an impromptu speech, and told us that after a long life, filled with joy and hardship, he didn't take any of our love for granted.

He pass today. He’d battled cancer, and staved off old age for long enough. And true to form he chose his own exit the way he chose his own life. We miss him already, but we’re glad to have shared with him while we could.”

Montrose is best known for forming a band that carried his name and sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in music including Sammy Hagar, Herbie Hancock, Van Morrison, Boz Scaggs, Bob James, Beau Brommels, the Neville Brothers, and Edgar Winter. He also formed a band named Gamma and performed as a solo artist.

Ronnie Montrose was born in 1947 in Denver, Colorado. His big break came in 1971 when he appeared on the album “Tupelo Honey” by Van Morrison. In 1973, he formed his own band.

Montrose’s agent Jim Douglas said that Montrose was a legendary figure for many people and bands.

Speaking on her husband, Leighsa said, “he was very hard on himself. He would play shows where there would be three standing ovations, and all he would talk about on the drive home is what he didn’t do right.”

Montrose is survived by his wife Leighsa, a son, a daughter, and five grandchildren.