LESLIE WEST - Guitarist - The Thunderous Soul of Mountain’s Guitar Legend

Leslie West wasn’t just a guitarist — he was a mountain disguised as a man, all raw tone and primal emotion. Born in New York City in 1945, he forged his legend through the molten riffs of Mountain, where blues met thunder and melody wrestled distortion. His guitar didn’t sing; it roared, snarled, and wept, often within the same bar. With “Mississippi Queen” he carved his name into rock’s granite foundation, but it was his larger-than-life presence and aching sustain that turned notes into stories. West played like a man who’d lived every song — and left scorch marks on every fretboard he touched.

Leslie West

Leslie West, born Leslie Weinstein on 22 October 1945 in New York City, was the thunderous guitar slinger behind Mountain’s molten riffs. With a tone that could crack concrete and a voice rough-hewn from the same stone, West dragged the blues kicking into the heavy era. His playing on "Mississippi Queen", "Nantucket Sleighride", and "Theme from an Imaginary Western" was less performance than battlefield—distortion, sustain, and emotion welded into a weapon of mass seduction. A titan of hard rock and blues, he remained a relentless presence until his passing on 23 December 2020, leaving behind a legacy that still howls in every bent note and searing solo.

Born in New York City, West began playing guitar at a young age and honed his skills by immersing himself in the blues. In the late 1960s, he formed the band Mountain with bassist and vocalist Felix Pappalardi, drummer N.D. Smart, and keyboardist Steve Knight. Mountain quickly gained recognition for their energetic live performances and their fusion of hard rock, blues, and psychedelic influences.

Leslie West's guitar style was characterized by his heavy, expressive playing and his innovative use of distortion and sustain. He was known for his melodic solos, rich tone, and the emotional depth he brought to his performances.

Beyond his work with Mountain, Leslie West released several solo albums throughout his career, including "Mountain" (1969), "The Great Fatsby" (1975), and "Blues to Die For" (2003). He collaborated with numerous artists and continued to tour and perform until his passing on December 23, 2020.

Leslie West's contributions to rock music, both as a guitarist and a vocalist, have left an indelible mark on the genre. His powerful playing and soulful voice continue to inspire and influence musicians to this day.

  • Primary Role – Guitar, Vocals
  • Country – USA
  • Years Active – 1965 – 2020
  • Bands – Mountain, Vagrants
  • Associated Acts – Felix Pappalardi, Jack Bruce, Ozzy Osbourne
Selected Discography
  • Mountain – “Climbing!” (1970)
  • Mountain – “Nantucket Sleighride” (1971)
  • Leslie West – “The Great Fatsby” (1975)
  • Leslie West – “Blues to Die For” (2003)