Any Allan Holdsworth fans?

[Colossal]

Love'em?
Hate'em?

Several things are true regardless of where you stand:
1) Allan Holdsworth is undeniably a phenomenal player
2) His tone is incredible (very horn-like!)
3) He always sounds like himself regardless of the amps he's playing

[NickC]

Love'em?
Hate'em?

Several things are true regardless of where you stand:
1) Allan Holdsworth is undeniably a phenomenal player
2) His tone is incredible (very horn-like!)
3) He always sounds like himself regardless of the amps he's playing

Yes! Love his playing. That first UK album is one of my desert island selections.

But you left something important out of the list of important, undeniable Holdworthian Truths:

4) He has a refined palate and tremendous appreciation for good BEER!

[Colossal]

But you left something important out of the list of important, undeniable Holdworthian Truths:

4) He has a refined palate and tremendous appreciation for good BEER!

Ack! [slapping forhead], how could I forget his penchant for fine ale?!?! and I call myself a fan... Allan is a real gentlemen. I've met and spoken with him several times.

Some of my favorite tunes are:
The Un-Merry-Go-Round (soaring lead tones are beyond description)
Non-Brewed Condiment
Sixteen Men of Tain
5 to 10 (love the tones on Wardenclyffe Tower...wow)

Yes, his work with UK is pretty amazing.

[SoundPerf]

Love him!!

At one point in my life I listened to nothing but I.O.U, Sand, Metal Fatigue, and Secrets over and over. I really loved Secrets. For some reason I have seen many of my guitar heroes, but never got to see him live.

And you're right. He always sounds like himself regardless of equipment. He's someone I point to when trying to explain to people so much of a players sound is in their hands. He does seem to desire certain specs in his guitars, though.

[ToneMerc]

But you left something important out of the list of important, undeniable Holdworthian Truths:

4) He has a refined palate and tremendous appreciation for good BEER!

Ack! [slapping forhead], how could I forget his penchant for fine ale?!?!

So true, back in 90' he played this long gone spot 19th St Brewery. It was most likely no more than 80 folks in the crowd and I bet 60 of them were guitar players. Doing one of the long breaks I walked up and started a conversation. Then him and I sat down, drank warm ale and talked for at least 15 more mins. The thing that struck me was that he was terribly down to earth.

TM

[Bob S]

His contribution to the tribute to SRV with Clapton & Beck still makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up.
Very talented individual & he likes beer!
Genius.

[blinddog]

I have seen him twice. Incredible. Got the first IOU Album based on EVH's praise I never really got IOU until after I got into Miles Davis and John Coltrane.

It is funny reading the current Santana on Leno thread and a Holdsworth thread. ON the Santana some are unhappy that he doesn't play the same solo all the time. The last time I saw Alan, he mentioned he never wants to play the same solo twice.

That gig was also interesting, one of his regular amps wasn't working so he was playing through an amp borrowed from the opening act. It was one of John Suhr's amps. He sounded great.

He also seemed really overwhelmed by guitarists talking to him and asking him questions. I went up to him and he had this "I just want to go home" look on his face. So I hand him the notes I scribbled. I explained the first place specializes in Belgium Beer and carries over 100 different types. The second has no less than three english style ales on beer engine at any one time. He looked at me relieved and said, " Thanks I really appreciate this."

[sliberty]

First saw AH with UK, ad then once many years later on his own. Great player. Great bands. Great music.

[Reeltarded]

Horn player!

[rdjones]

First saw AH with UK, ad then once many years later on his own. Great player. Great bands. Great music.

I caught UK on their first tour at a small club in Cleveland.
My good friend, and at the time bandmate, was a protege of Fripp and always aware of what any of the Crimson family of musicians were up to.
Impressive show, I was already a fan of Wetton and Bruford.
It was a great intro to both Holdsworth and Eddie Jobson.
I was able to talk briefly with him after the show and he shared technical details about his gear.

As usual I carried my 35mm camera to the show and got some great shots but I was too close for the lens I chose.
Maybe I'll get some of my vast library of film/slides transferred.

RedDog Steve

[blinddog]

I forgot until the other guy's brought up seeing UK.

UK have recently reformed with John Wetton, Eddie Jobson and Terry Bozzio for a world tour in 2012.

Some info here. http://johnwetton.com/


No Mention of Holdsworth or Bruford.

[butwhatif]

Just saw him in Milwaukee

[Colossal]

Just saw him in Milwaukee

Awesome!

Was he playing his new signature Carvin headless, the white Steinberger, or the Canton? Still playing the Hughes & Kettner setup? Yamaha Magic Stomps on the table beside him?

Details man, I need details!

[John_P_WI]

Just saw him in Milwaukee

Bummer, once again I'm a day late and a dollar short.....

Got turned on to his playing back in the late 70's early 80's. I was amazed at the time of his finger stretch up and down the fret board.

[rdjones]

I forgot until the other guy's brought up seeing UK.

UK have recently reformed with John Wetton, Eddie Jobson and Terry Bozzio for a world tour in 2012.

Some info here. http://johnwetton.com/


No Mention of Holdsworth or Bruford.

I was dismayed when they came back around a short time later without Holdsworth and Bruford.
Apparently Holdsworth was forced out by Wetton and Jobson after which Bruford left.
Some lingering resentment after all these years ?

rd