Allan Holdsworth

Allan Holdsworth, a revered guitarist in jazz fusion, faced a lack of widespread recognition despite his exceptional talent. Born in 1946 in Yorkshire, Holdsworth's musical journey began under his father's guidance before mastering the guitar and joining notable bands like Soft Machine and Gong. In the late '70s, he embarked on a prolific solo career, releasing nearly 20 albums and collaborating with esteemed musicians like Paul Williams and Gary Husband. Holdsworth's innovative use of the SynthAxe and creation of a signature guitar model marked him as a trailblazer in the industry, earning accolades and releasing acclaimed albums like The Sixteen Men of Tain.

Following a series of collaborative recordings, Holdsworth launched a PledgeMusic campaign in 2015 for the release of Tales from the Vault, a collection of rarities. His legacy was further cemented by the retrospective album Eidolon and the comprehensive 12-disc box set The Man Who Changed Guitar Forever! released in 2017, showcasing his solo works and bonus material. Tragically, Holdsworth passed away on April 15, 2017, at the age of 70, leaving behind a profound impact on the music world and a lasting legacy as a guitar virtuoso.