March 5th, 2012
10:18 AM ET
At the age of 64, rock guitarist Ronnie Montrose died Saturday in his California home, Montrose's booking agent tells CNN. The musician had been struggling with prostate cancer "for a number of years."
Montrose's son says in a statement that just a few months prior, "we held a surprise party for Ronnie Montrose's 64th birthday. He gave an impromptu speech, and told us that after a long life, filled with joy and hardship, he didn't take any of our love for granted."
Montrose, his son continues, "battled cancer, and staved off old age for long enough. And true to form, he chose his own exit the way he chose his own life. We miss him already, but we're glad to have shared with him while we could."
The guitarist played with a variety of artists during his lengthy career, but most famously with his group Montrose. The band's first album, "Montrose," provided hits such as "Rock Candy," "Bad Motor Scooter" and "Rock the Nation."
There's the possibility that a tribute concert could be held in his honor, but that's a decision to be made by Montrose's widow, Lisa, his agent says.