When I think of Ronnie Montrose, I think of the Bay Area and all the great nightclubs that had the honor of having Montrose play at. I know Ronnie was known worldwide but he was our local Bay Area legend. Ronnie was born on November 29, 1947 and grew up in San Francisco.
His first band was Sawbuck in 1969. He later went on to play with such greats like Van Morrison, Boz Scaggs, Edgar Winter Group and then finally in 1973 he formed his own incredible band, Montrose which featured Sammy Hagar on vocals. After putting out albums as Montrose or Ronnie Montrose, he then formed GAMMA and then continued on playing with Seattle band; Rail, Paul Kantner, and even added his guitar work to Gary Wright’s “Power of Love”.
Whatever Ronnie was playing, one thing is for sure; he gave it his 150%. He was someone who would devote his entire passion to what he was doing. That is why he was our Bay Area Legend. We could go see him and always get an incredible show. It didn’t matter who or how many people were there, he would play each show as if it was his last. He had energy and vigor and you could see on his face, his pure love of what he was doing.
Ronnie announced in 2009 that he had prostate cancer and was going to battle this head on. I always thought if anyone could beat the battle of cancer, it would be Ronnie. That man had a determination that could not be challenged. It has been reported that he had been in declining health. The following statement was posted on the Ronnie Montrose 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.”
My son put together a memorial tribute video for Ronnie. I grew up listening to Ronnie and seeing him around at the Bay Area shows. I have shared stories with my son and he has always loved songs like “Bad Motor Scooter”, “Rock Candy”, “Rock the Nation” and what I think is the fitting song for his tribute; “Music Man”.
My husband Stephen shared his story with me of seeing Ronnie Montrose play in the Bay Area. He tells me of how he was amazed by Ronnie’s guitar work and his stage presence that let the fans know he was there just for them. He said he is honored to have seen him and wished he could have seen him at his upcoming show right here in Santa Rosa at the Last Day Saloon on April 28th.
Ronnie, you had such incredible talent and a personality that matched. You gave us years of incredible music that will live on in our hearts. Your gift to us will never be forgotten or taken for granted. I particularly love one story that someone shared on my son’s video page about how they first discovered “Jump on It”:
That is the kind of story that I am talking about. Ronnie was part of our past, part of our present and he will live on in our future.
Here are some haunting lyrics from Montrose , “Make it Last” that remind us of how to live:
But now I live my life from day to day
‘Cause I wouldn’t have it any other way
Whether I’m twelve or I’m 64,
I spend my time like there aint gonna be no more.
Rest in Peace Ronnie, you are in our hearts, Music Man.
Ronnie Montrose November 29, 1947 to March 3, 2012
~ Marisol
