Ronnie Montrose Quotes

Powerful Ronnie Montrose for Daily Growth

About Ronnie Montrose

Ronnie Montrose, born Ronald Joseph Montrose on November 14, 1947, in San Francisco, California, was a renowned American guitarist, songwriter, and producer who significantly influenced hard rock music. Known for his versatility, innovative approach to guitar playing, and powerful stage presence, Montrose left an indelible mark on the music industry. Growing up in a musical family, Ronnie was exposed to various genres at an early age. His father, an amateur saxophonist, introduced him to jazz, while his mother's love for country and pop music also played a role in shaping his taste. However, it was the British Invasion bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones that sparked Ronnie's interest in guitar playing. In 1967, Montrose formed his first band, Sapphire, with future Journey bassist Ross Valory. After a series of lineup changes, they formed Van Morrison's backing band in the late 60s. In 1973, Montrose broke out as a solo artist, releasing their self-titled debut album, which featured hits like "Rock Candy" and "Bad Motor Scooter." The band went on to release four more albums before disbanding in 1976 due to creative differences. After the breakup of Montrose, Ronnie continued to work as a session musician, producer, and solo artist, collaborating with artists like Sammy Hagar, Boz Scaggs, and Edgar Winter. His innovative guitar playing style and distinct sound continue to influence generations of rock musicians. Despite battling alcoholism throughout his life, Montrose remained a significant figure in the rock music scene until his death on March 3, 2012, due to prostate cancer. His legacy as a groundbreaking guitarist, innovative songwriter, and influential figure in hard rock music lives on.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The music's got to move."

The quote "The music's got to move" emphasizes that music, at its core, should evoke emotion, create energy, or inspire some kind of response in the listener. In other words, it suggests that the essence of good music lies not only in its technical aspects but primarily in its ability to resonate with people on an emotional level and motivate them to feel, think, or act in some way. This quote underscores the importance of musical expression as a means to connect, engage, and move others through the power of music.

"I don't think there's any such thing as an original idea."

The statement by Ronnie Montrose suggests that every idea or creation, no matter how unique it may seem, is built upon a foundation of existing knowledge, inspiration, or influence from the past. It emphasizes that true originality might be an illusion, as ideas are often a combination of previous thoughts and experiences, subtly reshaped to create something new. This perspective encourages us to recognize the interconnectedness of human thought and creativity, while acknowledging the importance of innovation in continually advancing our collective knowledge and culture.

"Rock and roll is a feeling. You either have it or you don't."

This quote by Ronnie Montrose suggests that rock and roll music isn't just about technical skills or following specific rules; rather, it's an emotional state or passion that artists express through their music. It implies that true rock and roll artists have a certain spirit or vibe that is inherent to them, making their performances authentic and resonant with listeners who share the same feelings.

"Everybody's looking for the perfect sound. The perfect sound doesn't exist."

This quote by Ronnie Montrose suggests that there is no absolute, universally agreed-upon "perfect" sound or musical style. Instead, what constitutes as "perfect" can vary greatly among individuals based on their personal tastes, experiences, and cultural backgrounds. It encourages musicians to continuously explore, experiment, and innovate rather than seeking a static ideal. The idea is that the pursuit of the perfect sound is an ongoing journey and not a destination.

"I just do what I feel like doing, and if I happen to make some money at it, that's great."

This quote reflects Ronnie Montrose's approach to life and work, emphasizing individuality, authenticity, and creativity. By doing what he feels like doing, Ronnie emphasizes the importance of following one's passions and not being swayed by external expectations or pressures. If success, in this case, making money, comes as a result, it is an added benefit rather than the primary focus. In essence, the quote suggests that true fulfillment and satisfaction come from pursuing one's heart's desires with integrity and passion.

Attempting to write vocal oriented songs to me felt like going through the motions and if you are going to go through the motions you might as well just do any gig that caused you to do repetitive motions like banging a hammer or serving fries.

- Ronnie Montrose

Through, Hammer, Vocal, Gig

Everybody has their iPhone cameras, BlackBerry cameras, and I see those cameras pointed up at me all the time now, which is actually really good because of what it does for me and my band. There is no time for us not to be on our toes because they're on all the time whenever you're playing. I think it's very healthy.

- Ronnie Montrose

Everybody, I Think, Very, Pointed

When you have a life-threatening illness like cancer, and you're faced with the alternative, it gives doing whatever it is you do a much sweeter taste.

- Ronnie Montrose

Doing, Like, Sweeter, Life-Threatening

It was very satisfying knowing I could come in not really knowing what I was going to do, and at the end of the session feeling that I'd really done interesting guitar work and knowing that I'd really contributed to the music.

- Ronnie Montrose

Going, Could, Very, Satisfying

I was producing demos for a band that was called Physical Ed. Out of production of demos I went and did a few jam sessions with then in Northern California clubs, but I never actually toured with them.

- Ronnie Montrose

Production, Them, Demos, Toured

I shared guitars before I actually got one of my own and played a guy's Silver tone and played another guys Danelectro 12 string and it was at about age 17 that I actually started playing.

- Ronnie Montrose

Tone, String, Shared, Guitars

I was too broke to buy a guitar so I more borrowed guitars from friends.

- Ronnie Montrose

More, Broke, Too, Guitars

My philosophy is, honestly, never collected anything that I don't play. I know a lot of people that collect guitars, but for me, I want instruments that I play. And if I don't play them, I don't' want to have them sitting in a closet collecting dust.

- Ronnie Montrose

Play, Want, Honestly, Guitars

I am very aware now that music is a business, but there is also a way to go about making music that is true to yourself as opposed to doing, you know, just going through the motions and making things that would just be commercially successful.

- Ronnie Montrose

Doing, Through, Very, Motions

I would say seeing the original Yardbirds with Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page at the old Fillmore was a pretty powerful influence on me.

- Ronnie Montrose

Original, Pretty, Beck, Jimmy

I had prostate cancer that, for me, was debilitating. I didn't touch a guitar for two years, but when I realized I was seeing the light at the end of the recovery tunnel and was going to live pain-free, I realized again that it was a fun little instrument to play.

- Ronnie Montrose

Play, Had, Instrument, Debilitating

What made me pick up a guitar? It weighed a lot less than a piano.

- Ronnie Montrose

Piano, Pick, Lot, Weighed

Because it was the original 4 guys, and the dynamic of those 4 guys interacting together that had the power.

- Ronnie Montrose

Original, Guys, Interacting, Dynamic

I was working with Bill Graham management at the time and it was obvious to everyone concerned that albums like Open Fire, while they were good for me creatively, were not going to be commercially successful.

- Ronnie Montrose

Everyone, Concerned, Albums, Creatively

I'm pursuing soundtrack work in the southern California area and down the line I plan to make a moody, intense acoustic album. Not all acoustic, but an acoustic - oriented guitar record that I've already written most of the material for.

- Ronnie Montrose

Line, Southern, Pursuing, Intense

But it has been a long process because I'm kind of a renaissance person.

- Ronnie Montrose

Process, Kind, Been, Long Process

Gamma was a logical progression after doing the Open Fire record.

- Ronnie Montrose

Doing, Record, Progression, Logical

I was following my muse and I was very fortunate in having good people around me and it turned out to be a pretty good recording in my opinion.

- Ronnie Montrose

Pretty, Very, Having, Following

I don't recall getting a first guitar.

- Ronnie Montrose

Guitar, First, Getting, Recall

You know, you don't please everybody.

- Ronnie Montrose

Know, You, Everybody, Please

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