RIP Allan Holdsworth 1946-2017

13 comments

1. Came here, once learning of his passing. Thanks for the great “Guaranteed” session photos. Great to pull this memorable record out again and reflect.

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2. Mark. So sorry to hear of the loss of the great Allan Holdsworth. I had the chance to meet him years ago here in Seattle when he was touring with Wackerman, Haslip and Pasqua doing their Tony Williams tribute. I found Allan alone at the bar nursing a cold one. I got up my nerve to sit next to him as he was finishing up his beer. He was kind enough to chat with me for a while and one of the things I mentioned to him was how I was a huge Level 42 fan and had really enjoyed his work with you guys on Gauranteed and if there was any possibility of him hooking up with you guys again. His whole countenance changed and he smiled widly and said he had such a great time making the record with you that he hoped that would happen and soon. His whole attitude changed for the positive talking about you and Gary and the rest of the guys. Sorry that never happened for the two of you. His artistry will be sorely missed. Which leads me up to. When are you fellows coming back stateside. I have not seen you since the old Parkers Ballroom in Shoreline WA. that was too long ago to think about. Parkers is a car lot now. P.S. Thanks for signing my Retroglide DVD. I framed the insert.

   Best Always. John Vincent

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3. R.I.P. to a true legend

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4. This is sad news. When I think of Alan Holdsworth I think of the photo in the middle of the booklet with Guaranteed. I know he was part of the Level 42 family and will be missed.

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5. Faboulous man and musician rip

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6. i’ve been a huge level 42 fan since ’82. then i got into allan holdsworth in ’85. when gary husband joined them for staring at the sun i was like “wow!” but when guaranteed came out with gary AND allan, i thought “this is too cool and crazy at the same time!” my favorite band and all-time favorite guitarist on the same recording. guaranteed is one of my favorite L42 recordings, mainly because of allan. i’m glad he got to do this with them.

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7. I was already a big fan of both Allan Holdsworth and Level 42, before Guaranteed, andand one day, someone told me that Gary Husband and Allan Holdsworth were on “Guaranteed” I was floored. I bought it right away (cassette) And you didnt disappoint. Great album and some great playing by Mr Holdsworth on that.

   a great marriage, with Level 42 stretching the boundaries of Pop and Funk, and Allan stretching the boundaries of…well just about everything. Harmony, Composition, Guitar, Tone, Guitar Synthesis, you name it.

   He was recognized by his peers, but I wished that he had become a household name like Miles, or Coltrane. He so deserved it. He so deserved to get more recognition for being a pioneer, and being uncompromising in his vision of music.

   RIP Allan Holdsworth

   Really nice to see those pictures, thanks for that.

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8. Thank you for posting the photos. I remember being in shock when I heard that Allan was working with Level 42! I immediately went out and got the CD. I could not believe that Allan recorded with such a well known band and I remember being thankful for the music and thankful that Allan would get more notice. All that said I am sorry for your collective loss, you knew him. You worked on music together and got to know each other. My prayers out to you. Best wishes. : )

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9. It’s such sad news about Allan. I never got to see him play live & I so wished I had. Guaranteed is my favourite L42 album, so every time I listen to it it will be even more special because of Allan’s guitar playing on it. R.I.P Allan. You will be sadly missed.

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10. I remember the day that I bought Guaranteed and as I was going through the liner notes I saw that Allan Holdsworth was on it playing his signature guitar sound! I’ve been a big fan of Lever 42 since about 1983. I am also a fan of of Allan. The combination on Guaranteed was something that I hoped would continue. R.I.P. Allan Holdsworth. Your music will live on through the coming centuries.

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11. Since 70’s,I loved superb play and tones of Allan Holdsworth. and then,became big fan of Level42.
    I’m a Japanese but happend to lived in London in ’91,and read the news that Allan played on Guaranteed! I was blown away. that summer,I got the ticket of Level42 live in Crystal Palace and thought I could see him live…but he dind’t show up. anyway,I really love the melodic solos he contributed on the album.
    R.I.P Allan. you are real genius and pioneer in rock and jazz field.

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12. I am a fan of Level 42. World Machine and Running with the Family were the two albums I knew.
    In the last ten years I came to know Allan Holdsworth, not as a musician but the man. He lived nest door to me during that time and we broke bread and hoisted a few ales together.
    He told me of Guaranteed and how Gary introduced him to Mark as a new guitarist.
    Of course I bought the album and talked with him about it.
    “My Father’s Shoes” and “A Kinder Eye” held special meaning for Allan. (Lyrics) relating to his own father/grandfather whom raised him and fostered his love of music.
    These two tunes showcase Allan’s melodic abilities. The end of of “A Knder Eye” he shreds and when I commented on it he said, “Mark turned me loose”.
    Happy Birthday Friend you are missed.

    You all knew the exceptional musical talent.
    I knew the exceptional man.
    Peace and Love

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13. Mr. Holdsworth, is my all time favorite! and his solo on “A Kinder Eye” is so touching.. it is . …

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