Ronnie Montrose, guitar player, performer in his own right and session muso for the likes of Van Morrison, Boz Scaggs and the Edgar Winter Group died on March 3rd 2012. It has been revealed that his death was suicide.
Having beat prostrate cancer Montrose was unable to overcome the clinical depression that had hampered his life since he was a toddler. According to San Mateo County Coroner's Office, Montrose died of a self inflicted gun shot wound. Montrose' family posted the following statement on his website.
" By now, the devastating truth of Ronnie's death is public knowledge. We hope you can understand why we wanted to keep this news a private family matter for as long as possible. We can only hope that you will choose to celebrate Ronnie's life, and what his music meant to you, rather than mourn his passing. Ronnie would have wanted it that way. He loved being a guitarist, a composer, a producer, and a creator of magic. He fully understood his gifts, and yet he constantly pushed himself to evolve, improve, and make better music. He did this for himself, and he did this for you, because he adored and appreciated his fans. Please keep his energy, his joy, and his love in your hearts"
The tragedy of this loss highlights more than ever the insidious evil of depression and the devastating affect it can have on the person whom it plagues and their loved ones.
To find out about depression and anxiety go to beyondblue.org.au
