{ Lick That Riff! }

There have been  so many musicians that have died. But none so more than the guitarist. Such a demanding role within a band. Throughout the last 50 years of popular music, the lead guitarist has been an essential part of any band; to look amazingly cool, to cause a riot, to smash some guitars on stage, to show the groupies a good time . Such a demanding role has seen so many guitarists die too young or before their time. So many that had so much more to give. So many that came and left their mark and authority on the world. Who all gave the gift of music… But if you could have saved one of those amazing guitarists, who would it be?

Hendrix

Ok, there’s going to be one name everyone would love to have seen more of. Obviously, Hendrix was the greatest guitarist and a guitarist that most of you, I’d imagine, would love to hear howl again. Hendrix sadly passed away far too early and died at the age of 27. He gave the world some of the greatest guitar songs ever and has probably, no, definitely inspired more guitarists than anyone. Let’s not forget his staggering performance at the legendary Woodstock festival in 1969. Nobody can argue that seeing more of Hendrix’s immense guitar playing wouldn’t have been a bad thing. But, I ask with caution, does his premature death add to his legacy? It’s a question I ask myself a lot, about many different musicians.

Cobain

Suppose that brings me on to my next guitarist. The same might be said about Cobain. He pretty much changed the music scene in the early 90′s. Bringing grunge and alternative rock into the mainstream. And, of course he gave the guitar world some amazing riffs and songs. The most notable being that simple-yet great “Smells Like Teen Spirit” riff. Unfortunately with the intense media intrusion, addiction to heroin, marriage to Courtney Love and depression, in 1994 Cobain shot himself, taking his own life. This was someone who, with the world at his fingertips, could not take the
pressure. Someone who wanted to just make music, instead of having all the fame. The world still mourns his death and there is still some theories on how he died, some pointing to murder. But, again, maybe this just adds to the mystery and legacy that he left behind for the world. I think Cobain wouldn’t have had it any other way, one of his most famous quotes was that, “It’s better to burn out that to fade away.” Something that must have been going through his head on that fateful day.

Lennon

Then, there is Lennon. One of the most prolific songwriters in music history. A decent guitarist by his own admission, but no one could say a bad thing about his songwriting. Whilst with the Beatles he constantly changed and innovated music, made arguably the best album ever (Sgt. Peppers) and probably inspired hundreds if not thousands of bands to get together in the first place to play music. Tragically though, Lennon was shot dead in 1980 by a crazed fan outside his New York home. This death angers me the most out of any other musicians death. Because Hendrix and Cobain died by their own hand, ok, Hendrix died more indirectly by his own hand than Cobain, but  Lennon was murdered. Shot in the back by some lunatic.

Who knows what could have been if Lennon was still alive. The Beatles may have reformed. He may have continued to achieve such musical success. There might have been another Sgt. Peppers just waiting to be penned.

So, in all, I think if I could save someone from the music world who had passed away, it would probably be Lennon. Who knows he may have already died naturally by this point like Harrison, but it was his right to be able to die naturally instead of being gunned down in cowardice.

But what I want to know from you guys is, who would you save if you could. What Guitar God what you bring back? It doesnt have to be any of the three I’ve mentioned. Plenty more great guitarists have died tragically, Dimebag, Bolan to name a few. So get commenting with the guitarists you would save.

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