Legendary BLACK SABBATH guitarist Tony Iommi (pictured below) spoke to the Birmingham Mail about the death of legendary British guitarist and singer Alvin Lee, founder of the band TEN YEARS AFTER, who passed away early Wednesday (March 6) after complications following a routine surgical procedure.

"I was extremely saddened to hear of Alvin's death," Iommi said. "It was a great shock. I had not known that he was ill.

"Alvin was a really great guitar player but, more importantly, has been a good friend of BLACK SABBATH over the years.

"In the early days, when we were still going by the name of EARTH, it was Alvin who helped us get some gigs. He'd been out there a bit before us, and knew the ropes. We'd sit and talk the night away at a flat in London.

"I remember telling him that we were thinking of changing our name to BLACK SABBATH.

"He was horrified! He told me we'd never do any good with a name like that."

He added: "Alvin broke new ground with the way he played. After he played 'Goin' Home' at Woodstock, he became known as the fastest guitar player in the world.

"But it wasn't just about speed. He could rock, he could play the blues, and he was a fine jazz guitarist, too.

"He will be greatly missed by everyone in the rock and roll community."