The legendary guitarist and San Francisco native who, besides fronting the namesake band Montrose, was a sideman for the likes of Van Morrison, Boz Scaggs, Herbie Hancock and the Edgar Winter Group, died Saturday at his home in Millbrae. Family members said the cause of death was complications from the prostate cancer with which he had been diagnosed in 2007.Add: Montrose got his first break playing guitar on Morrison’s 1971 album, “Tupelo Honey” and two years later formed his original band, which featured Sammy Hagar on vocals and produced two albums considered rock classics, “Montrose” and 1974’s “Paper Money.” After taking a couple of years off after the cancer diagnosis, he resumed touring and played 50 shows last year. Obit: Mercury News
