“He Passed Away, and I Never Met Him”: Jake E. Lee Reveals His Favorite ’70s Guitarist and Why He Chose Not to Meet Him. The 1970s was a golden age for guitar legends, with icons like Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Ace Frehley, Michael Schenker, and Eddie Van Halen shaping rock music’s sound. Yet, many talented players went unnoticed despite their remarkable skills. For Jake E. Lee, a prominent 1980s metal guitarist, one underappreciated figure stood out: Tommy Bolin.
In a recent Tone Talk interview, Lee named Bolin as his top guitarist of the 1970s, calling him a “huge influence” on his style. “Tommy Bolin, he’s my favorite guitar player in the ’70s,” Lee shared. “I saw him live, possibly with Jeff Beck on a co-headlining tour in the late ’70s. I saw him twice, and Jeff Beck twice, so the memories blur a bit.” Bolin, who died tragically at 26 in 1976, is best known for his work with the James Gang and Deep Purple. His solo career and session work blended hard rock, jazz, funk, and fusion, with his album Teaser showcasing his bold, boundary-pushing creativity that inspired guitarists like Lee.
Lee reflected bittersweetly on seeing Bolin perform. “The last time I saw him was for Teaser,” he recalled. “I was a huge fan, but he was so messed up on stage. He died months later from an overdose. He still played amazingly, but his slurred speech and dazed eyes showed he was struggling.” This left a lasting mark on Lee. Despite Bolin’s musical brilliance, his visible personal struggles were evident. Lee declined an opportunity to meet him, explaining, “A friend who worked at the venue offered to introduce us, but I said, ‘He’s so out of it. I’d rather keep my image of him than meet him like this.’ Then he passed, and I never met him.” The regret in Lee’s voice is clear—he admired Bolin deeply but missed a chance for a personal connection.
Bolin’s influence extended beyond his brief career. His work on Billy Cobham’s 1973 jazz-fusion album Spectrum was pivotal, inspiring Jeff Beck’s own fusion masterpieces, Blow by Blow and Wired. This ripple effect underscores Bolin’s significant, if underrecognized, impact on guitar music.
Jake E. Lee’s praise for Bolin highlights a guitarist who, though less famous than peers, left a lasting mark. Bolin’s fearless versatility and emotional depth resonated with Lee, influencing his work with Ozzy Osbourne and Badlands. Bolin’s story also reflects the darker side of 1970s rock, where substance abuse cut short many lives. Lee’s admiration is tinged with sorrow, acknowledging both Bolin’s genius and his tragic end.
Today, Bolin’s legacy endures through tribute concerts, album reissues, and growing recognition among new guitarists. Lee’s heartfelt words help cement Bolin’s place in rock history, ensuring his contributions gain the respect they deserve.
For Lee, the memory of Bolin’s live performance, despite its tragic context, remains a defining moment. It underscores the humanity behind the music—full of struggles, brilliance, and fragility. Decades later, Bolin’s work continues to inspire, and through admirers like Lee, his legacy shines as one of the 1970s’ unsung guitar heroes.
