I guess it depends on what type of music we're talking about. Solos are fading in the world of commercial alternative modern rock, but they're still alive and well in jazz and fusion. Scott Henderson is living proof of that. Vital Tech Tones feature solos on just about every cut. Of course with no vocals, there's tons of space for blowing. I agree with the Gibson ad that says, "lyrics: wasted time between solos". Matter of fact, I'm gonna put that as my signature!