Ten Years After
at Woodstock 1969
British blues-rockers Ten Years After delivered a blazing set that established Alvin Lee as one of the fastest guitarists in rock history.
Ten Years After was a British blues-rock band formed in Nottingham, England in 1967, fronted by lead guitarist and vocalist Alvin Lee. By Woodstock, they had built a significant following in the United States through extensive touring and their reputation for blistering live performances.
Alvin Lee was considered one of the fastest and most technically proficient guitarists of his generation. His rapid-fire picking technique drew comparisons to Chuck Berry and produced a style that influenced countless rock guitarists.
Their Woodstock performance is captured in the documentary film, particularly their extended version of "I'm Going Home," which runs approximately 11 minutes and showcases Lee's extraordinary guitar virtuosity. The song became their signature piece and introduced them to the massive worldwide audience that would watch the Woodstock film.
"I'm Going Home" incorporates elements of blues, country, and classic rock, with Lee trading licks with himself through overdubs before the crowd and using crowd noise as a percussive element. It remains one of the great guitar showcases in rock history.
After Woodstock, Ten Years After achieved their greatest commercial success with the album "A Space in Time" (1971) and the hit "I'd Love to Change the World." The band broke up in 1975 and has reformed several times since.