RONNIE MONTROSE (1947 - 2012)
Mar 4 2012
We were sorry to hear of Ronnie Montrose's passing yesterday.
Sammy posted this message on his website: RONNIE MONTROSE (1947 - 2012)
For me Ronnie's passing is the end of an era. Ronnie Montrose gave me my first break as a songwriter, as a front man, as a recording artist and as a touring artist, and for that I will always be grateful. The first Montrose album was the first album I ever recorded and it still stands as one of the best recordings I have ever been a part of.I was looking forward to a reunion for my birthday bash in Cabo with Denny, Bill and Ronnie - one of the few bands from that era where all four original members were still able to do it. It will very hard to think the four of us will never be able to play songs like Rock Candy and Bad Motor Scooter together again. The only positive I can grab onto is the fact that the music will live on. It's a shame to lose Ronnie and I'm so sorry for his loved ones. Rest in peace.
Sammy was also interviewed by Rolling Stone about Ronnie - Read »
Mike Anthony also posted this message on his web site: R.I.P. Ronnie Montrose
I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ronnie Montrose yesterday. Besides being one of rock’s early guitar icons, he was a friend and big influence on the way we wanted the first Van Halen album to sound like. I remember all of us (VH) wanting Ted Templeman, who produced the first Montrose album, to make us sound big like them!! Van Halen opened for Ronnie on a bunch of shows during our first tour in ’78, and I’ve jammed with Ronnie numerous times since. He was always great to hang with, and very dedicated to his craft. My condolences go out to his family, friends, and Sammy, Dennie Carmassi, and Bill Church, the original Montrose band. Ronnie, you touched all of us.
This really sucks. I just heard this as I happened on to thi web site.
In the United States today if f'ing Kim (I have a big ass) Kardashian farts it is national news but a great artist like Ronnie Montrose passes and I hear nothing.
To the media in America I say F you. To Sammy I send my love . To Ronnie I hope he climbs on that "Bad Motor Scooter" and rides on.
Sorry for your loss Sammy. You made some great music with Ronnie. I think it would be great if you could patch things up with Eddie so there would never be any regrets if something happend to him.
How good was Ronnie and Montrose? One of my favorite songs all-time is their interpretation of Connection on Paper Money. Loved it then and love it now.
I remember seeing Montrose in Portland Oregon back in 74 or 75. They were the best, in fact I have the Montrose album on my iPhone right after both Chickenfoot albums. Rest in peace Ronnie. Thanks for all the great music.
What a legend, he will be greatly missed. The show in St.Louis (2003) with you and Ronnie playing Rock Candy and Bad Motor Scooter, was Kick Ass! I will never forget that show. I remember listening to the album Montrose back in the mid 70's. It was Awesome! See you in the LOU at the fox in May Sammy! Hope you can find some Rock Candy in your pocket or ride off on a Bad Motor Scooter in honer of Ronnie. R.I.P.
I first found out from a post on Joe's Facebook page. Condolences to his family and friends, I'm sure he will be missed. That first Montrose album was an important influence on many musicians, and most importantly was where I discovered Sammy Hagar. I'm glad Ronnie was still jammin' at the end, and hopefully far in the future we'll still be seeing Red.
Man, I can't believe I still got 11 weeks to wait to get My Buzz On in St. Louis
Montrose, one of the best rock albums ever! RIP Ronnie and thank you for the music.
My first introduction to Sammy was through Montrose 1st. A great album, an album that my father introduced to me, and we both still rock to.
My condolences go out to his family. Mr. Montrose, you touched all of us. Thank You!
Sorry for your loss Sammy. He will be missed.