Allan Holdsworth is widely regarded by fans and contemporary musicians as one of the 20th century's most prominent guitarists. He was born on Aug.=ust 6, 1946, in Bradford England.
The innovative muso shaped his reputation through the ‘70s as a master of prog-rock and jazz fusion with such acts as Soft Machine, Gong and U.K., but never quite struck the commercial success he richly deserved.
His signature two-handed finger tapping style influenced the best in the business, from Carlos Santana, Frank Zappa, Pat Metheny, John McLaughlin, Tom Morello, Peter Frampton to Joe Satriani and Eddie Van Halen, who called him “the best, in my book” and “so damned good that I can't cop anything.”
Holdsworth reportedly died at the age of 70 on April 15,2017, though the cause has not been announced. His passing was announced by family members on social media.