An all-star tribute concert celebrating the life and work of late guitarist Ronnie Montrose will take place later this month in Anaheim, CA.
"Ronnie Montrose Remembered" will feature appearances by an extensive list of rockers who performed with and/or were influenced by the guitarist, who was a legendary studio musician before forming Montrose with vocalist Sammy Hagar, bassist Bill Church and drummer Denny Carmassi and releasing their self-titled debut in 1974.
Montrose’s legacy includes working with Van Morrison – for whom he created the iconic guitar riff for the classic song “Wild Night” – and the Edgar Winter Group, where he crafted heavy riffs on songs like “Free Ride” and “Frankenstein.”
Scheduled for Friday, January 25 at the M3 Live Anaheim Event Center and organized by longtime Montrose singer Keith St. John, "Ronnie Montrose Remembered" will include performances by Ted Nugent vocalist Derek St. Holmes, Tesla guitarist Frank Hannon, Kingdom Come drummer James Kottak, Randy Jackson of Zebra, Mitch Perry of the Edgar Winter Band and Tracii Guns, among others.
Hosted by SiriusXM radio personality Eddie Trunk, the 2019 event will feature a presentation of Guitar Player magazine's Rock The Nation award in Ronnie's name; the national award was created to honor a young guitarist who exudes "a star quality through his or her expression on the instrument", and the winner will perform a song in the show alongside the rockers satuting Montrose.
"I just want to give those who really appreciate Ronnie the chance to get together in a loving concert setting where all these great players and fans of the late Ronnie Montrose can really dig in and enjoy each other through the commonality of his music," says St. John. “Ronnie's contribution to rock music in the early '70s heavily influenced the up-and-coming American rock guitarists for next two decades more than he probably ever realized or gave himself credit for."
A donation from concert proceeds will be made to the charity Sweet Relief, which aids musicians worldwide with special attention to medical needs; Montrose was an advocate and donor to the organization that has helped many with their needs, such as housing.
Montrose died on March 3, 2012 at the age of 64 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a five year battle with prostate cancer.
See also:
VIDEO: Ronnie Montrose streams Color Blind with Sammy Hagar
Ronnie Montrose streams Heavy Traffic from final studio album
Montrose to release expanded reissue of 1973 debut
AUDIO: Sammy Hagar guests on final album by Ronnie Montrose
Search Montrose at hennemusic
