Rock guitarist Ronnie Montrose dies at 64

SAN FRANCISCO – Rock guitarist Ronnie Montrose, who formed the band that bore his name and performed with some of rock's heavy hitters, has passed away.

His booking agent, Jim Douglas, says Montrose passed away at his home in Millbrae on Saturday. He was 64.

Douglas says Montrose had been in declining health for some time battling prostate cancer and what Douglas termed "personal demons."

Besides forming his own band in 1973, Montrose also performed with a number of rockers, including Sammy Hagar, Herbie Hancock, Van Morrison, Boz Scaggs and the Edgar Winter Group. Douglas says Montrose was working on releasing a DVD and starting a tour that would have taken him all across the U.S.

Montrose is survived by his wife, Leighsa, as well as a son, a daughter and five grandchildren.