Woodstock Day 5: Ten Years After

An English blues-rock band, Ten Years After performed on August 17th at 8:15. Ten Years After was extremely popular during the mid 60s and early 70s and was known for their long guitar and drum solos. In 1969, the line-up consisted of Alvin Lee on guitar and vocals, Leo Lyons on bass, Chick Churchill on the organ, and Ric Lee on drums.

Leo Lyons on bass at Woodstock

Their set could have been world shaking, but due to humidity and sound issues, Ten Years After's performance went extremely awry with a lot of pause re-tuning guitars. Visual and sound recording went in and out during the performance and the only song recorded in full was their finale "I'm Going Home."

The band's name was chosen in November 1966, what was 10 years after Elvis Presley's enormous year of success in 1956 (Presley was an idol of Ric Lee). In 1967, their self-titled album debuted and in 1968, after touring the US and Scandinavia, Undead was released and brought with it their great song "I'm Going Home," the start of their stardom. Their performance of this song at Woodstock, though plagued with issues, catapulted them to celebrity status.

Alvin Lee with a watermelon at Woodstock. Why? Because he's a rock star.

In 1974, the band broke up after their release of Positive Vibrations. Ten Years After got back together in 1988 and still plays today (though Alvin Lee was replaced by Joe Gooch in 2003). Their hits include "Love Like A Man," "Hear Me Calling" (covered by British band Slade in 1972), and "I'd Love To Change The World," their biggest hit by far.

Website: www.tenyearsafternow.com