Rock guitar legend Ronnie Montrose passed away Saturday after a long battle with prostate cancer.  He was 64.  The following statement was posted on the guitarist's official website:

"A few months ago, we held a surprise party for Ronnie Montrose's 64th birthday.  He gave an impromptu speech, and told us that after a long life, filled with joy and hardship, he didn't take any of our love for granted. He passed today. He'd battled cancer, and staved off old age for long enough. And true to form, he chose his own exit the way he chose his own life. We miss him already, but we're glad to have shared with him while we could."

Montrose was born November 29th, 1947 in Denver Colorado.  His first break came when he was asked to appear on Van Morrison's 1971 album, "Tupelo Honey," and he would go on to appear on albums by Herbie Hancock, Boz Skaggs and the Edgar Winter Group before forming his own band Montrose in 1973.  Montrose was also the first break for vocalist Sammy Hagar, who would later replace David Lee Roth as Van Halen's frontman.  Montrose is considered a pioneer and cited as a major influence on many of Rock's greatest guitarists.