Whatever happened to lead guitar?

[Beestie]

I was introduced to music in the early 70s. Ted Nugent, Black Sabbath, Robin Trower, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Yes, The Who, Pink Floyd - names younger Cellarites may not be familiar with. One thing all these bands and many others I didn't mention have in common is an amazing lead guitar player: Steve Howe, Tony Iommi, David Gilmour, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton just to name a few. And, of course, the father of rock lead guitar: Jimi Hendrix. I always wondered what kind of music he would be making were he still here.

Anyway, then came the 80s. Eddie van Halen, Edge, Slash, Stevie Ray Vaughan and many others. Then the 90s: Jane's Addiction and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The list is getting smaller. Now, in the 00's the list has vanished - I can't name a single group with a distinguished lead guitar player.

Is it me or is lead guitar a lost art? Its a damn shame if it is.