Shakin' Stevens has joined tributes to one of his former lead guitarists, a stalwart of the Welsh music scene, who has died in hospital.
Shakin' Stevens has joined tributes to one of his former lead guitarists, a stalwart of the Welsh music scene, who has died in hospital.
Cardiff-born Mickey Gee played solos on hits with Stevens and others including Dave Edmunds.
Cardiff-born Mickey Gee played solos on hits with Stevens and others including Dave Edmunds.
Stevens said: "Mickey Gee will be remembered for his guitar playing by the public and true fellow musicians."
Stevens said: "Mickey Gee will be remembered for his guitar playing by the public and true fellow musicians."
In the 1960s, he played with Tom Jones when the singer was known as Tommy Scott.
In the 1960s, he played with Tom Jones when the singer was known as Tommy Scott.
Kingsley Ward, of Rockfield Studios, near Monmouth, said: "Mickey Gee never got the recognition he deserved."
Kingsley Ward, of Rockfield Studios, near Monmouth, said: "Mickey Gee never got the recognition he deserved."
Gee, who was in his 60s, passed away at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff this week after a short illness.
Gee, who was in his 60s, passed away at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff this week after a short illness.
Producer and recording studio boss John David, a friend for some 40 years, said: "I worked with him on tons of stuff. I produced Shaky's Christmas album in '91 and he was on that.
Producer and recording studio boss John David, a friend for some 40 years, said: "I worked with him on tons of stuff. I produced Shaky's Christmas album in '91 and he was on that.
He wasn't one for self-publicity, he let his guitar do the talking and he was the most amazing guitar player Allan Jones, Amen Corner
He wasn't one for self-publicity, he let his guitar do the talking and he was the most amazing guitar player Allan Jones, Amen Corner
"He was in the very first Dave Edmunds band, Rockpile and was the lead guitar on [Edmund's 1970 No. 1] I Hear You Knockin'.
"He was in the very first Dave Edmunds band, Rockpile and was the lead guitar on [Edmund's 1970 No. 1] I Hear You Knockin'.
"Then we toured America for about 10 years in the 80s and Mickey was in that."
"Then we toured America for about 10 years in the 80s and Mickey was in that."
"He was mainly known throughout the UK music industry as "that guitarist" - whenever there was some blinding lick on something, it was only Mickey Gee.
"He was mainly known throughout the UK music industry as "that guitarist" - whenever there was some blinding lick on something, it was only Mickey Gee.
Mr David said Gee drew his inspiration from the influential American guitarists Merle Travis and Chet Atkins.
Mr David said Gee drew his inspiration from the influential American guitarists Merle Travis and Chet Atkins.
He said: "They popularised a very complicated finger-picking guitar style which Mickey and Dave Edmunds became past masters at. He could also emulate James Burton, Elvis's guitar player.
He said: "They popularised a very complicated finger-picking guitar style which Mickey and Dave Edmunds became past masters at. He could also emulate James Burton, Elvis's guitar player.
Mickey Gee toured and recorded with Shakin' Stevens and Dave Edmunds
Back in 1968, Mickey Gee described playing with Andy Fairweather Lowe and Dave Edmunds
"He was my favourite guitarist. He was really exciting. He was very inventive in the studio.
"He was my favourite guitarist. He was really exciting. He was very inventive in the studio.
"I once asked him to play a rock 'n' roll song on a banjo and he was fantastic. It sounded amazing."
"I once asked him to play a rock 'n' roll song on a banjo and he was fantastic. It sounded amazing."
Rockfield recording studio boss Kinglsey Ward said: "He was purely a great guitar player, very individual. When I met famous people, they often asked me about Mickey Gee.
Rockfield recording studio boss Kinglsey Ward said: "He was purely a great guitar player, very individual. When I met famous people, they often asked me about Mickey Gee.
"He never received the acknowledgment of his true ability. He was the unsung hero of Welsh guitar playing."
"He never received the acknowledgment of his true ability. He was the unsung hero of Welsh guitar playing."
Stevens added: "He played on all my early records and toured with me. The guitar solos, for me, were very important, they weren't just filling. His solos were and are very memorable."
Stevens added: "He played on all my early records and toured with me. The guitar solos, for me, were very important, they weren't just filling. His solos were and are very memorable."
As well as playing with names, including Joe Cocker and Bill Wyman, Gee was also a regular playing live at pubs in Cardiff.
As well as playing with names, including Joe Cocker and Bill Wyman, Gee was also a regular playing live at pubs in Cardiff.
Fellow guitarist Andy Fairweather Lowe said: "Outside of my family, he's as much a part of it. I left school and I started playing in my very early days and I went round to Mickey's house.
Fellow guitarist Andy Fairweather Lowe said: "Outside of my family, he's as much a part of it. I left school and I started playing in my very early days and I went round to Mickey's house.
"Mickey was there before all of us. He was just a great player, it's just sad.
"Mickey was there before all of us. He was just a great player, it's just sad.
Mickey Gee toured and recorded with Shakin' Stevens and Dave Edmunds
"If you know about players, you will know about Mickey Gee. Any player I know and respect knows about Mickey - that's a fact."
"If you know about players, you will know about Mickey Gee. Any player I know and respect knows about Mickey - that's a fact."
Sax player Allan Jones, who was in Amen Corner with Fairweather Lowe, said: "Mickey was probably my favourite guitar player ever.
Sax player Allan Jones, who was in Amen Corner with Fairweather Lowe, said: "Mickey was probably my favourite guitar player ever.
"He had his own individual style. He wasn't one for self-publicity, he let his guitar do the talking and he was the most amazing guitar player."
"He had his own individual style. He wasn't one for self-publicity, he let his guitar do the talking and he was the most amazing guitar player."
BBC Radio Wales presenter Owen Money, who had known Gee since the 1960s, said he was a great guitarist and he would be playing I Hear You Knockin' on his radio programme as a tribute.
BBC Radio Wales presenter Owen Money, who had known Gee since the 1960s, said he was a great guitarist and he would be playing I Hear You Knockin' on his radio programme as a tribute.
"I'm absolutely distraught. He was one of the greatest guitarists Wales has ever produced," he said.
"I'm absolutely distraught. He was one of the greatest guitarists Wales has ever produced," he said.
"He did the intro on I Hear You Knockin' but he started at the wrong time. If you listen to it, it's out of sync. He said he couldn't remember how he got back into tempo.
"He did the intro on I Hear You Knockin' but he started at the wrong time. If you listen to it, it's out of sync. He said he couldn't remember how he got back into tempo.
"He turned a mistake into a great track."
"He turned a mistake into a great track."
Have you any memories - or photos - of Mickey Gee performing?
Have you any memories - or photos - of Mickey Gee performing? Here are a selection of your responses. There is a form at the bottom of the story.
Mickey was a tremendous guitarist - the Welsh Albert Lee! Let's see a BBC Wales documentary about him. He certainly deserves it. My very best wishes to his family.
Mickey was a tremendous guitarist - the Welsh Albert Lee! Let's see a BBC Wales documentary about him. He certainly deserves it. My very best wishes to his family.
Nick Jones, Crickhowell, Wales
Nick Jones, Crickhowell, Wales
I heared him a few years ago in the Royal Oak, with my friend the late John Payne, He was pure magic what a player !!! blew my mind, he will be jamming with all the greats' in heaven. louis fernandez, cardiff wales
I heared him a few years ago in the Royal Oak, with my friend the late John Payne, He was pure magic what a player !!! blew my mind, he will be jamming with all the greats' in heaven. louis fernandez, cardiff wales
Like hundreds of others I played in the 60s. I admired Micky then, and never stopped. His family will have some comfort from knowing that he is so well remembered and respected.Bob Williams, Pontardawe - Wales
Like hundreds of others I played in the 60s. I admired Micky then, and never stopped. His family will have some comfort from knowing that he is so well remembered and respected.Bob Williams, Pontardawe - Wales
It was a pleasure to play drums for him for the last 9 years of his career. He was an amazing talent that had to be seen to be believed. From Craig and I, Long live The Sneakers.Justin Watts, Australia
It was a pleasure to play drums for him for the last 9 years of his career. He was an amazing talent that had to be seen to be believed. From Craig and I, Long live The Sneakers.Justin Watts, Australia
Terribly sad news, a large piece of rock and roll history has gone in wales-nobody had the attack that Mickey Gee had on the guitar, the embodiment of proper rock and roll guitar playing, he blew my mind every time I saw him. No effects or frills just talent and power. RIPKevin , Swansea
Terribly sad news, a large piece of rock and roll history has gone in wales-nobody had the attack that Mickey Gee had on the guitar, the embodiment of proper rock and roll guitar playing, he blew my mind every time I saw him. No effects or frills just talent and power. RIPKevin , Swansea
Very sad news. I greatly admired Mickey. He helped me a lot and opened up my mind to what you can do on a guitar. I was around his house once and play guitar for him for about 2 hours. I don't think he showed me anything. Next time I called in was about 2 months later, And he played almost everything I played from the time before, then in every position on the guitar neck. As I said he blew/opened up my mind. A truly amazing player and man And a great loss to music, friends and family John Lewis, Penarth
Very sad news. I greatly admired Mickey. He helped me a lot and opened up my mind to what you can do on a guitar. I was around his house once and play guitar for him for about 2 hours. I don't think he showed me anything. Next time I called in was about 2 months later, And he played almost everything I played from the time before, then in every position on the guitar neck. As I said he blew/opened up my mind. A truly amazing player and man And a great loss to music, friends and family John Lewis, Penarth
Mickey could also be heard singing on Shakey's early hits.He made a great album with a band called Memphis Bend,playing music based on the Sun records sound.He will be much missed.mike carne, Northants
Mickey could also be heard singing on Shakey's early hits.He made a great album with a band called Memphis Bend,playing music based on the Sun records sound.He will be much missed.mike carne, Northants
I was lucky enough to see Mickey play numerous times over the years in pubs around Cardiff. He was extremely talented and a pleasure to watch/listen to. Such a loss.Vicky, Cardiff, Wales
I was lucky enough to see Mickey play numerous times over the years in pubs around Cardiff. He was extremely talented and a pleasure to watch/listen to. Such a loss.Vicky, Cardiff, Wales
Mickey Gee - an influence and an inspiration to many fans
Mickey Gee - an influence and an inspiration to many fans
My memories of Mickey stem from the 60's when I was just 12 years old. I used to stop off after Scouts at my Fathers business, The Kennard Rooms each Friday night to hear the local bands playing to packed houses. Mickey was always there, sitting in with many bands of the time, such was the respect for his outstanding talent. A great loss not just to Wales but the UK music scene.
My memories of Mickey stem from the 60's when I was just 12 years old. I used to stop off after Scouts at my Fathers business, The Kennard Rooms each Friday night to hear the local bands playing to packed houses. Mickey was always there, sitting in with many bands of the time, such was the respect for his outstanding talent. A great loss not just to Wales but the UK music scene.
Lawrence Parkes, Cardiff
Lawrence Parkes, Cardiff
I saw him play on my father's recommendation. We have very different tastes in music but we both loved Micky Gee's playing. We saw him in a pub in the early 90s in Cardiff, and he played a solo set that was amazingly solid and dynamic. He had to keep beating his vintage old Fender amp as it kept cutting out, but that didn't diminish the entertainment value. A truly unique guitarist, and a genuine loss for music in Wales and the wider world.David, Saundersfoot, Wales
I saw him play on my father's recommendation. We have very different tastes in music but we both loved Micky Gee's playing. We saw him in a pub in the early 90s in Cardiff, and he played a solo set that was amazingly solid and dynamic. He had to keep beating his vintage old Fender amp as it kept cutting out, but that didn't diminish the entertainment value. A truly unique guitarist, and a genuine loss for music in Wales and the wider world.David, Saundersfoot, Wales
Went to a gig last night at the Heathcock in Llandaff the night was dedicated to Mickey,many of his old friends were there including Craig who played bass in his last band.He was a talent who will be sorely missed by all who new and played with him throughout his career. All the best to his family.
Went to a gig last night at the Heathcock in Llandaff the night was dedicated to Mickey,many of his old friends were there including Craig who played bass in his last band.He was a talent who will be sorely missed by all who new and played with him throughout his career. All the best to his family.
Geraint, Aberdare Wales
Geraint, Aberdare Wales
Very Sad, he was an inspiration to any anyone interested in playing the guitar and a whole host of semi pro musicians, such an individual sound and technique. BBC should rerun the Still Rockin'concert of a few years back. Francois Samuel, Cardiff, Wales
Very Sad, he was an inspiration to any anyone interested in playing the guitar and a whole host of semi pro musicians, such an individual sound and technique. BBC should rerun the Still Rockin'concert of a few years back. Francois Samuel, Cardiff, Wales
I last saw Mickey at the Mountain Ash Rugby Club more than 10 years ago. He was playing with Martin Ace on bass and Terry Williams on drums. Three vetran musicians with nothing to prove because they had already been there and done that. It was a great night but what else would you expect from these unsung heroes? Truly a sad loss to the South Wales music scene.Allyn, Mountain Ash, Wales
I last saw Mickey at the Mountain Ash Rugby Club more than 10 years ago. He was playing with Martin Ace on bass and Terry Williams on drums. Three vetran musicians with nothing to prove because they had already been there and done that. It was a great night but what else would you expect from these unsung heroes? Truly a sad loss to the South Wales music scene.Allyn, Mountain Ash, Wales
Sad to hear of the passing of the finest guitarist to come from Wales,from Tom Jones,Dave Edmunds,Memphis Bend,The Sunsets, Shaky,Willie & the Poor Boys etc,his distinctive and innovative stylings were always the key element,Mickey is right up there with the likes of Albert Lee,James Burton and of course Carl Perkins - on whose tv special Mickey shared guitar duties with Edmunds,Clapton and George Harrison Off to dig out the great mid 70s UA lp Memphis Bend cut in Rockfield with Lincoln Carr and Tom Riley, sadly not available on cdPhil, Castell Nedd, Cymru
Sad to hear of the passing of the finest guitarist to come from Wales,from Tom Jones,Dave Edmunds,Memphis Bend,The Sunsets, Shaky,Willie & the Poor Boys etc,his distinctive and innovative stylings were always the key element,Mickey is right up there with the likes of Albert Lee,James Burton and of course Carl Perkins - on whose tv special Mickey shared guitar duties with Edmunds,Clapton and George Harrison Off to dig out the great mid 70s UA lp Memphis Bend cut in Rockfield with Lincoln Carr and Tom Riley, sadly not available on cdPhil, Castell Nedd, Cymru
Its very sad news.I met Mickey a lot on Shaky's tours and saw him play many times,of course on record too.His Finger pickin and Twangy telecaster sound was amazing.You could see him on the Carl perkins rockabilly special amongst many other things he did.Thoughts to his family and many respects from myself and my family, Shawn HarveyShawn Harvey, Amsterdam/Monchengladbach Germany
Its very sad news.I met Mickey a lot on Shaky's tours and saw him play many times,of course on record too.His Finger pickin and Twangy telecaster sound was amazing.You could see him on the Carl perkins rockabilly special amongst many other things he did.Thoughts to his family and many respects from myself and my family, Shawn HarveyShawn Harvey, Amsterdam/Monchengladbach Germany
Mickey Gee was a great guitarist in the ranks from Hank Marvin and all the rest of them.I will truly miss him.May he rest in Peace with Elvis and all the greats up there in Heaven.Martyn Smythe, Dortmund Germany
Mickey Gee was a great guitarist in the ranks from Hank Marvin and all the rest of them.I will truly miss him.May he rest in Peace with Elvis and all the greats up there in Heaven.Martyn Smythe, Dortmund Germany
Very sad news indeed. As a guitarist for 35 years Mickey's always been an influence and inspiration, but impossible to emulate. Lightening fast, silky smooth with ferocious attack. Along with Tich Gwylim, that's two unique guitarists we've lost recently. We won't see their like again.Alun , Monmouth, Wales
Very sad news indeed. As a guitarist for 35 years Mickey's always been an influence and inspiration, but impossible to emulate. Lightening fast, silky smooth with ferocious attack. Along with Tich Gwylim, that's two unique guitarists we've lost recently. We won't see their like again.Alun , Monmouth, Wales
Mickey was an exeptional talent who never reached the heights in terms of fame and fortune that he deserved. However this meant that I was able to watch him for many years play around the Cardiff Pub scene with bands like All the Notes, the Racketeers and latterly the Sneakers - a real privilege and a huge pleasure. Steve Long, Cardiff, Wales
Mickey was an exeptional talent who never reached the heights in terms of fame and fortune that he deserved. However this meant that I was able to watch him for many years play around the Cardiff Pub scene with bands like All the Notes, the Racketeers and latterly the Sneakers - a real privilege and a huge pleasure. Steve Long, Cardiff, Wales
I feel very sad about the news as his guitar work is so infulential on the band I'm in, and particularly our guitarist. He was also a very nice guy too having had the privilage of meeting him several times, working the sound for his trios in Cardiff on a few occasions and going to see Scotty Moore in concert together! Mickey's a legend because his guitar playing was awesome with such a unique style and sound.Kevin Davidge, Tredegar, South Wales UK
I feel very sad about the news as his guitar work is so infulential on the band I'm in, and particularly our guitarist. He was also a very nice guy too having had the privilage of meeting him several times, working the sound for his trios in Cardiff on a few occasions and going to see Scotty Moore in concert together! Mickey's a legend because his guitar playing was awesome with such a unique style and sound.Kevin Davidge, Tredegar, South Wales UK
Mickey was one of the greatest guitar pickers of all time. Stunning player. I have a special tribute to him on my rock n roll show this Saturday night. `The Saturday Night Rock n Roll Party`. 6.0.5-8. All BBC stations in the West & Southwest.geoff barker, BBC West & South West
One of my greatest gigs ever was the Racketeers at the Claude one thursday night in 95 , Mickey on his Tele , Martin Ace on bass and Terry Williams on drums under the dart board! Tight wasn't the word for it and Mickey did 'Baby Please dont Go' at 100 miles an hour .Brilliant he will be missed by all who saw him.Andy, Cardiff
