Can't really blame him as his wife is now his number one priority.
Steve Morse to step away from Deep Purple permanently: band pay tribute
Deep Purple guitarist Steve Morse has announced that he is stepping away from the band on a permanent basis.
In April, Morse announced that he'd be going on hiatus from Deep Purple to look after his wife Janine, who is battling cancer, but would not be leaving the band. The guitarist also said that he hoped to rejoin Purple's current tour once circumstances and improved health allowed.
Now Morse has admitted that he is unable to commit to Deep Purple's schedule for the rest of the year and beyond, and has left the band.
"Last Autumn, I suddenly left the Purple writing session in Germany because my wife was having a real medical crisis," explains Morse. "Almost a year later, we are learning to accept stage four aggressive cancer and chemo treatment for the rest of her life.
"We both miss being at shows, but I simply couldn't commit to long or far away tours, since things can change quickly at home. I suggested lining up a substitute guitarist last Autumn, hoping we could see the miraculous cancer cure all of us have heard about. As time went by, I could see the way things were heading though, after 28 years of being in the band.
"I've already played my last show with Purple back in Florida on the Rock Legends Cruise. I wish to thank the listeners who so strongly supported live music and turned every show from a dress rehearsal to a thundering, exciting experience. I'll miss everybody in the band and crew but being Janine's helper and advocate has made a real difference at many key points.
"As Janine adjusts to her limitations, she is able to do many things on her own, so we will try to play some shorter nearby concert tours with friends to – hopefully – get both of us out of the house!"
Morse goes on to talk about guitarist Simon McBride, who has been filling in for Morse.
"I know Simon has the gig nailed already," he says. "But I'm now handing over the keys to the vault which holds the secret of how Ritchie's Smoke on the Water intro was recorded. I guess you have to jiggle the key just right because I never got it open."
“Full respect to the guy,” McBride told Classic Rock earlier this year. “I already knew the Purple thing might or might not happen. And then, in March, when they told me it was definitely going ahead, I was like: ‘That’s great! But that means that Steve...
“Y’know, it was a bitter-sweet emotion. My heart goes out to Steve and his wife."
The other members of Deep Purple have released statements reflecting on Morse's legacy, after 28 years and eight studio albums with the band.
"In circumstances like these it is normally difficult to find the right words," says Ian Gillan. "But not in the case of Steve Morse; I know what I want to say.
"He came from a different background to the rest of us in Deep Purple and yet his musical genius has been somehow compatible and played a big part in the fresh direction adopted by the group when he joined and made his first album with us in 1996, and then onwards, for over a quarter of a century, enjoying the longest incumbency of any Deep Purple guitarist and contributing to the longest unchanging line-up, which started when Don Airey replaced Jon Lord - who retired in 2002 - until the present day.
"I first became aware of Steve through the Dixie Dregs, particularly the track Take It Off The Top’ which was the theme tune for Tommy Vance’s BBC rock show and impressed me mightily. I didn’t realise at the time that one day I would be lucky enough to stand on stage with Steve and enjoy his consummate skills up close and dangerous.
"I got to know him as a very kind man, full of ideas and the patience to see them developed. He would say, ‘You never know until you try it’. We sure had some fun debating that approach, but mostly in good humour and he always gave as good as he got.
"Steve has a legacy with Deep Purple that can never be forgotten, and that smile will be missed. It would be wrong to comment on his personal circumstances, suffice to say he’s in a bad place right now but dealing with it bravely and as best he can; we all admire his devotion; he’s been a strong family man all his life.
"All this has come at a terrible time for everybody, including the other musicians in Deep Purple. After two years off the road because of quarantines everywhere, we had to get back to what we do, and that is perform live around the world and make music in the way we have always done, since 1968.
"As we get older, we realise that we’re much closer to the end, and that triggers an urgency that won’t be tamed. From Steve’s perspective, I can only imagine that there is no possible ‘nice’ way of continuing with a new man, but it is either that or call it a day, because the lack of momentum was gradually becoming something more significant; it felt terminal.
"The best way I can describe this is by using Steve’s own words; when I sent him a love letter a few weeks ago, he replied that it was weird being at home whilst we guys were out there, but ‘reality intervenes’… and that’s what has happened.
"I can only put out love and respect, and positive vibes at the memories of good times together."
Ian Paice says: "From the moment Steve joined us in Purple, it was obvious he could open up new musical possibilities for us. Like most great creative musicians, he has the ability to come up with musical ideas that no one else has thought of. I think the easiest way to say it is he’s always 'thinking outside the box'. Not many of us can do that!
"We learnt he is also an incredibly nice man, who put up with our lack of knowledge of US sports teams and stars, and our continual talk of UK football, (soccer to our US friends!), with great patience. But there is one important truth here and that is, 'family comes first'.
"Steve is adhering to that truth with his wife Janine’s health situation. We will miss him."
Roger Glover says: "In the early 80’s, on tour with Rainbow in Germany, I heard Go for Baroque by the Dixie Dregs on a car radio. I was captivated and immediately bought Unsung Heroes. Then I bought Steve’s first solo album. What a guitar player. Never could I have dreamed that twelve years later we would be in a band together.
"Deep Purple was at a pivotal point in the mid-90s and needed to refresh itself. Steve was an inspired choice and brought his talent and limitless imagination to us – evidenced by Purpendicular, a favourite album of mine – enabling the band to start an amazing journey for the next 28 years. No mean feat. He’s a teacher, he inspired us, me in particular, with his energy, encouragement and wisdom, and his contribution and legacy in this band is beyond words. He will be missed but our friendship will remain.
"Sadly, life has intervened, and different challenges are upon us. Janine needs him now, and my best wishes and thoughts go out to them."
Don Airey says: "Thanks Steve for being such a shining light both musically and personally to me over the last few (20!) years. All I can do is wish you and Janine the best for the future, in the new course that life has taken you. I know it would take a lot more than this to extinguish your talent and your music, so hopefully we'll see you down the road a-piece."
The statement from Deep Purple finishes by saying, "There will be no further comment from the band. We kindly ask that Steve and Janine’s privacy is respected and to keep them in your thoughts at this time."
Props and kudos to Steve for having his priorities in good working order. While I have all the appreciation in the world for Deep Purple, I have never been a hard-core fan (as a teenage stoner, I was well ahead of the Beevis and Butt Head "Smoke on the Water" air guitar thing). I became aware of Steve and the (Dixie) Dregs while still in high school. They use to play an old dive bar in Birmingham (dress code was optional) and the owner (now deceased older hippie friend) would allow me to come in to watch the band. While Top 100 lists and personal favorites are debatable, I make no argument if someone says that Steve Morse is the greatest.
Peace and love to Steve and Janine. Cancer sucks!
Yes his wife means more than Deep Purple, guitars, drums, keyboards etc.
Maybe Blackmore can come back. Richie is the main ax man for that band unless you don't remember or saw the original. Or Warren Haynes may be hired! No I think Warren is past playing in four or five bands at the same time.
Jimmy Herring or Jack Pearson could cut the gig.
@robertdee Of the two that you recommend, I think that Jimmy Herring would be the better fit for Deep Purple. I was originally surprised that Steve Morse joined DP. Jimmy's playing is (at times) similar to Steve. I KNOW that Jack could do the gig, but it would take them in an entire new and different direction!
@rusty Yes you are probably right about Jack. I'm sure there are great guitarists here and in Europe that can step in and I have never heard of them.
Jack has never had a big gig except for his 2/12 years with the Allman Brothers. I'd like to see Jack get the exposure and the bucks.
Maybe he could stop playing those $84.00 guitars:)
Thinking about Steve's wife and his devotion to her and someone sent me this from a couple of months ago. In Toronto and this Toronto Blue Jays fan is the kind of person we all should try to be. It's such a nasty dangerous world and country we live in now.
I was never a fan of the Morse Purple but he is an excellent guitarist and has always been a stand up guy. I wish him and his wife the best of luck defeating that horrible disease.
He has some history with the ABB in that the Duane Bourbon Burst Hotlanta Les Paul was kept in his studio for safe keeping for a time.
As for a replacement I would love to see Yngwie Malmsteen give it a go. He was friendly with Blackmore who was a big influence on him and he has the chops, and rock star attitude to fit right in musically.
https://rockcelebrities.net/ritchie-blackmores-only-criticism-about-yngwie-malmsteen/
@bill_graham Twiggs had Duane's latest Les Paul and I think that is how Steve Morse came to have it for a period of time. I knew Twiggs had become Dixie Dregs road manager but when I saw the band a few times I didn't know Steve had Duane's Les Paul as Steve always used a parts guitar. Telecaster body, one big Humbucker pickup in the neck position and a Stratocaster neck.
Duane played a parts guitar with Tele body and Strat neck and either joked or maybe he was serious, claimed he was thinking about switching to a Tele with a Strat neck. I imagine he was joking because his Paul sounded real good. Unless he wanted something lighter I imagine Duane was joking.
When the Allman Brothers got back together in 1978 and Gregg, Jaimoe and Butch joined Dickey on stage at a Great Southern show in Central Park, Gregg was considering hiring Twiggs as his personal manager and Dickey warned Gregg not to hire Twiggs. Said the man was dangerous. Gregg hired Twiggs but it wasn't long until Twiggs threatened Gregg and that was the end of that. I guess that story is true. I've read it in more that one place.
Big music store can order me a replica of Duane's last Les Paul. They know where two are. But it's several thousand dollars each.
Looks like this!!
For Blackmore fans. I'm one. I was very impressed with Richie when I saw Purple many years ago.
Interesting visit to his guitar and instrument room at home. And he has a lovely wife
Wonder if Richie would come back? He has huge fingerprints on Deep Purple to this day.
... When the Allman Brothers got back together in 1978 and Gregg, Jaimoe and Butch joined Dickey on stage at a Great Southern show in Central Park, Gregg was considering hiring Twiggs as his personal manager and Dickey warned Gregg not to hire Twiggs. Said the man was dangerous. Gregg hired Twiggs but it wasn't long until Twiggs threatened Gregg and that was the end of that. I guess that story is true. I've read it in more that one place. ...
I've never heard this story before. Interesting to say the least. I have two personal stories of intrest here.
Back in the day (mid-late 1970s) - relating to the story before or when I was a teenager - Twiggs was the Dixie Dregs' road manager. He was present each time I saw them at the old, now defunct Birmingham club (the Midnight Voice). He had the Duane Les Paul - complete with frets on the back. Twiggs sat in with the band and played the guitar during encores ('Liz Reed and Statesboro Blues, if I remember correctly). Another dear friend of mine (still alive and well) was allowed to use the guitar and sit-in with the band. This friend and his then-wife were friends with Steve and the Dregs and took care of them whenever they were in town.
I know (but not very well) one of Twiggs' cousins. She has told me several stories of Twiggs from his younger days. Other than the knife fight that got him in jail, I've never heard any stories of him being violent or dangerous. Of course, we all did stuff that was "dangerous" in those days! Whatever - Twiggs was a true genius ... if not a mad scientist!
@rusty I found this but still looking for the Gregg being told by Dickey that Twiggs was dangerous and do not use him.
http://alanpaul.net/2017/11/organization-man-twiggs-lyndons-wild-life-and-eerie-death/
@robertdee I wasn't disputing your story - just hadn't heard it. By all accounts, Twiggs was a strong-willed perfectionist. Sometimes relationships depend on the individual personalities (... well, always actually). Steve Morse seems to have known and accepted Twiggs on a different (better?) level than probably Gregg or Dickey. Say what you want, but Twiggs always knew how to get the job done - whatever it was. He could invent useful contraptions and devices on the spot. Maybe he wasn't really a "people person" all the time, but I think that he was possibly the most interesting character in Allman Brother lore! 😉
@rusty I found one place I apparently read it!!! Gregg Allman's book "It's Not My Cross To Bear" page 288.
Gregg related that Twiggs was working for the Dixie Dregs at the time and the Allman Brothers Band decided to go back on the road and in the studio in 1978 and Gregg wanted Twiggs to be part of it but Dickey warned Gregg that Twiggs could cause trouble and be dangerous. Gregg apparently didn't agree and hired Twiggs Lyndon to be his personal manager. Twiggs then left the Dregs to return to the Allman Brothers.
Later Gregg saw Actor Don Johnson and Dickey Betts and went into the room and began talking with them and Twiggs comes in a demands Gregg go to bed because he must be ready in the morning in the recording studio. Gregg said he would after awhile but Twiggs kept insisting and talking right in Gregg's ear to GO TO BED NOW!! Then Twiggs got angry and yelled at Gregg go to bed now which pissed off Gregg. Gregg said nobody tells me when to go to bed so they began cursing each other in front of Dickey and Don Johnson. And Gregg also got angry this was happening in front of Betts. Twiggs suddenly blows his top and hits Gregg in front of Dickey.
Twiggs was immediately fired and returned to the Dixie Dregs. Soon afterward Twiggs was killed in a skydiving accident in DUANESburg, New York.
Twiggs had a 1939 Ford Coupe Gregg Allman flipped over and Gregg traded Duane's Les Paul with DUANE on the back of the body in frets. That is how Twiggs got the guitar and Twiggs wanted Steve to play it in the Dregs when they did You Don't Love Me live. I found in another article Steve said he only played the Les Paul on that ONE song. But Twiggs insisted Steve hold the guitar or have it strapped on so many times to take pictures of Steve with the guitar that people got the impression Steve played the guitar all the time but it was just on the one song.
Steve also said Twiggs was insisting he going to give the guitar to Duane's daughter but wait until she was much older. Twiggs was afraid she would give the guitar to the first guy she dated.
Twiggs brother John arranged to meet her mother some years after Twiggs death. They agreed to meet at Duane Allman's grave in Macon and he gave her Duane's Les Paul with DUANE on the back made out of old frets and she then gave it to her daughter Galadrielle.
So Steve Morse's involvement with the Les Paul was more of Twiggs pressing it than Steve's doings although Steve Morse says in interviews he was proud to have access to such a famous and valuable guitar.
Apparently this wasn't the first time Gregg traded a guitar for a car. In 1970 Gregg traded Dickey Betts a 1955 Fender Stratocaster for an old car Dickey owned. They completed the trade and some years later Dickey gave the 1955 Stratocaster and a Gibson ES-335 that belonged to Duane Allman to Billy Joe Shaver's son. The younger Shaver used the 1955 Strat Dickey got from Gregg for Dickey's old car as his number one until he died of a drug overdose in 2001. He also kept the ED-355 but apparently never played it on stage. Supposedly after Eddy Shaver died Willie Nelson was given the guitars which were said a few years ago to be in Nelson's safe at home.
I remember way back when Steve Morse was anticipated to be the next great Southern guitarist after Duane.
I remember way back when Steve Morse was anticipated to be the next great Southern guitarist after Duane.
Personally, I think he met those expectations with flying colors.
I ain't knockin' Duane Allman at all - he was Duane Allman. Steve Morse is a trained musician schooled in techniques from Classical to Jazz. He is one of the smartest "rock stars" - he has been a professional airline pilot, a farmer and has always been a mechanical tinkerer - which probably kindled his relationship with Twiggs. As far as guitarists go, I can't think of another who I consider to be significantly better than Steve Morse.
@rusty @robertdee ... Thanks for your input to these threads guys ... always a pleasure to read
@rusty That never made sense to me. Steve is an educated, intelligent, studied and trained musician as is Van Cliburn or Al Di Meola or Steve Gadd.
And Twiggs killed a venue owner who stiffed the Allman Brothers Band out of $500.00 dollars. Had a very short fuse with was connected to a quick as lightening violent temper. Was hired by Gregg Allman as his personal manager and punched Gregg and cursed and exploded at Gregg for refusing to go to bed. Twiggs was like Al Capone not Al Di Meola.
No there are no guitarists significantly better than Steve. Probably technically better than Clapton and David Gilmore but will never be as famous as them because they have some magic touch Steve doesn't have. Duane Allman had it. Some way to grab and move people and not be the guitar scholar others may be.
Richie Blackmore is the goat for Deep Purple.
But I saw Dixie Dregs several times and everyone in that band was an exception musician and Steve was like Jack Pearson. Play anything and any style and do them all extremely well. Certainly one of the absolute best.
May God watch over Janine and Steve and the rest of the family.
Sad news indeed......
This might be the end of the band. They have been hinting for a bit now and this might seal the deal. Which I could completely understand at this point. I see them finishing out there tour obligation and calling it a day. I don't see them bringing in someone else to start this over again.
Words from some of the band members.
https://blabbermouth.net/news/steve-morse-officially-quits-deep-purple-to-care-for-ailing-wife
DEEP PURPLE singer Ian Gillan said: "In circumstances like these it is normally difficult to find the right words, but not in the case of Steve Morse; I know what I want to say.
"He came from a different background to the rest of us in DEEP PURPLE and yet his musical genius has been somehow compatible and played a big part in the fresh direction adopted by the group when he joined and made his first album with us in 1996, and then onwards, for over a quarter of a century, enjoying the longest incumbency of any DP guitarist and contributing to the longest unchanging line-up, which started when Don Airey replaced Jon Lord — who retired in 2002 — until the present day.
"I first became aware of Steve through the DIXIE DREGS, particularly the track 'Take It Off The Top' which was the theme tune for Tommy Vance's BBC rock show and impressed me mightily. I didn't realise at the time that one day I would be lucky enough to stand on stage with Steve and enjoy his consummate skills up close and dangerous.
"I got to know him as a very kind man, full of ideas and the patience to see them developed. He would say, 'You never know until you try it'. We sure had some fun debating that approach, but mostly in good humour and he always gave as good as he got.
"Steve has a legacy with DEEP PURPLE that can never be forgotten, and that smile will be missed.
"It would be wrong to comment on his personal circumstances, suffice to say he's in a bad place right now but dealing with it bravely and as best he can; we all admire his devotion; he's been a strong family man all his life.
"All this has come at a terrible time for everybody, including the other musicians in DEEP PURPLE.
"After two years off the road because of quarantines everywhere, we had to get back to what we do, and that is perform live around the world and make music in the way we have always done, since 1968.
"As we get older, we realise that we're much closer to the end, and that triggers an urgency that won't be tamed.
"From Steve's perspective, I can only imagine that there is no possible 'nice' way of continuing with a new man, but it is either that or call it a day, because the lack of momentum was gradually becoming something more significant; it felt terminal.
"The best way I can describe this is by using Steve's own words; when I sent him a love letter a few weeks ago, he replied that it was weird being at home whilst we guys were out there, but 'reality intervenes'… and that's what has happened. I can only put out love and respect, and positive vibes at the memories of good times together."
DEEP PURPLE drummer Ian Paice said: "From the moment Steve joined us in PURPLE, it was obvious he could open up new musical possibilities for us. Like most great creative musicians, he has the ability to come up with musical ideas that no one else has thought of. I think the easiest way to say it is he's always 'thinking outside the box'. Not many of us can do that! We learnt he is also an incredibly nice man, who put up with our lack of knowledge of US sports teams and stars, and our continual talk of UK football, (soccer to our US friends!),with great patience. But there is one important truth here and that is 'family comes first'. Steve is adhering to that truth with his wife Janine's health situation. We will miss him."
DEEP PURPLE bassist Roger Glover said: "In the early 80's, on tour with RAINBOW in Germany, I heard 'Go For Baroque' by the DIXIE DREGS on a car radio. I was captivated and immediately bought 'Unsung Heroes'. Then I bought Steve's first solo album. What a guitar player. Never could I have dreamed that twelve years later we would be in a band together.
"DEEP PURPLE was at a pivotal point in the mid-90's and needed to refresh itself. Steve was an inspired choice and brought his talent and limitless imagination to us — evidenced by 'Purpendicular', a favourite album of mine — enabling the band to start an amazing journey for the next twenty-eight years… no mean feat. He's a teacher, he inspired us, me in particular, with his energy, encouragement and wisdom, and his contribution and legacy in this band is beyond words. He will be missed but our friendship will remain. Sadly, life has intervened, and different challenges are upon us. Janine needs him now, and my best wishes and thoughts go out to them."
DEEP PURPLE keyboardist Don Airey said: "Thanks Steve for being such a shining light both musically and personally to me over the last few (20 !!) years. All I can do is wish you and Janine the best for the future, in the new course that life has taken you. I know it would take a lot more than this to extinguish your talent and your music, so hopefully we'll see you down the road a-piece."
Everyone has a plan, till you get punched in the face,
@jszfunk Let's hope and pray his wife responds well to modern medical treatment and is a survivor.
Bands like Deep Purple where the chemistry is so important just can't hire anyone. It's difficult to find the right musicians. Short of Richie coming back temporarily, perhaps DP should go on hiatus indefinitely and just wait and see.
Janine is first and foremost with Steve and that is exactly how it should be in this life. Steve has his priorities right and the band completely gets it and fully understands.
God bless them all!!;
@jszfunk I'm leaning toward the band out of respect to Janine and Steve going on hiatus.
But a friend's grandson who is a huge DP fan ( 27 years old and that into a classic band is cool) says there is some talk about asking Eric Johnson to come in plus another guitarist and divide up the leads.
I don't know if Eric Johnson's style would fit but TECHNICALLY Eric Johnson is EXCELLENT!! His command of running the fretboard cleanly and in tune is like a trained violinist playing a ticky passage from Beethoven!!
I think Steve Morse is a Eric Johnson fan. Eric Johnson is a TOP SHELF guitarists and musician. Technically as good as anyone.
Pour some wine to enjoy while you enjoy this!! This is real rock and roll played by excellent musicians!!
Steve Morse had Eric Johnson guest on the second Steve Morse Band album. He also had Albert Lee on that one. Check out Steve and Albert doing some chicken pickin:
Steve Morse had Eric Johnson guest on the second Steve Morse Band album. He also had Albert Lee on that one. Check out Steve and Albert doing some chicken pickin:
Thank you for mentioning this. I knew Albert Lee played on The Introduction first album, but didn't know he also played on Stand Up and Eric Johnson as well. I might have to pick those two up on CD, as they don't appear to be on streaming services. Looks like both of those albums were digitally remastered a few years ago and released together on a single disc.
Morse goes on to talk about guitarist Simon McBride, who has been filling in for Morse.
"I know Simon has the gig nailed already," he says. "But I'm now handing over the keys to the vault which holds the secret of how Ritchie's Smoke on the Water intro was recorded. I guess you have to jiggle the key just right because I never got it open."
“Full respect to the guy,” McBride told Classic Rock earlier this year. “I already knew the Purple thing might or might not happen. And then, in March, when they told me it was definitely going ahead, I was like: ‘That’s great! But that means that Steve...
“Y’know, it was a bitter-sweet emotion. My heart goes out to Steve and his wife."
Why all the speculation about who is going to replace Steve in Purple, or that Ritchie would be coming back? That seems to suggest that Simon McBride went from subbing for Steve to getting the gig permanently (whatever "permanent" means in Deep Purple timelines).
Yes that is interesting. My friend's 27 year old son who is a huge Deep Purple fan apparently was correct that Steve Morse is an Eric Johnson fan. I'm not sure Eric Johnson is a right guy for the job. And personally if Richie didn't return as Richie is the goat for guitars in DP, personally short of Richie returning until the crisis is resolved with Steve's wife, perhaps they should go on hiatus. Now if Steve and his wife are okay with Simon McBride filling in for Steve then okay.
Of course Steve is an Eric Johnson fan. I've heard Warren Haynes talk about what an advanced player Eric Johnson is technically.
Anyone here not impressed with the level of play from Eric Johnson even if you don't care for his music and sound?
I bet Eric Johnson is a Steve Morse fan as well. They are about the same age (post 65) and I saw both of them when they were in their 20s. Probably a regional thing, but I'd heard of and seen Steve (via Dixie Dregs) several years before I'd heard of Eric Johnson. To me, there are a lot similarities in their style. There are differences, too. Both play what I refer to as "processed signals". A lot of stomp boxes and gadgetry. Both are sharp and fluid in style. I don't know if it's to sell records and guitars to young axe-nerds, but Steve can lean a little more in the shredder-metal direction. Both play that Nashville/Texas chicken-pickin' stuff real well.
@rusty Been checking out Simon McBride. He has some nice sounding PRS guitars. Especially a wonderfully finished red Les Paul type body with the typical PRS headstock. Simone played Still Have The Blues For You very Gary Moore style. Simon can shred and play fast but perhaps too straight ahead. I like to hear a melody line in solos to an extent.
Here is a great interview with Eric Johnson I found. Yes I guess Eric is a Steve Morse fan. Somehow I was thinking Johnson was an older player but now I think about it, I saw the Dixie Dregs before I saw and heard of Eric Johnson.
This is real interesting if you like guitar talk.
Eric Johnson is a good enough guitarist to merit his own thread.
The gifted and classy Steve Morse leaving Deep Purple after an impressive quarter of a century deserves the focus of this thread.
My suspicion is that it is this kind of picking that got Purple interested in Steve Morse; in some ways, this is an update of the kind of classical-oriented playing Blackmore did in "Wring that Neck" and in some of his classic solos:
