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Leslie West, Mountain guitarist, dead at 75
Mountain guitarist Leslie West has died after suffering cardiac arrest at his home in Daytona, Florida
Leslie West, best known as the guitarist and co-vocalist of legendary Long Island, New York, hard rock pioneers Mountain, has died at the age of 75.
West suffered cardiac arrest at his home near Daytona, Florida, on December 21, and never regained consciousness.
West‘s brother, Larry West Weinstein, prefaced the news in a now-deleted Facebook post on Monday (December 21), which read: “I am asking for all your prayers. [Leslie’s wife] Jenni is by his side in Florida but it’s not looking good. Thanks Jenni, he wouldn’t have made it this far without you. His heart gave out and he’s on a ventilator. May not make it through the night.”
Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler was among the first rock stars to pay tribute to the legendary guitarist, hailing West riff’ on Mountain’s hard rock standard Mississippi Queen, as “one of, if not the greatest, riff of all time.”
More to follow…
Sad to hear of Leslie West’s passing. Such a lovely bloke. He was fantastic to us when Sabbath supported Mountain on our first US tour. He came to see us at Mohegan Sun, even though he was wheelchair bound. Mississippi Queen one of, if not the, greatest riff of all time. RIP pic.twitter.com/DZ3FLWeGpQDecember 23, 2020
With a heavy heart, we are saddened hear about the passing of #Dean Artist and part of the Dean family, Leslie West. Legendary and one of a kind. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/sGmk4pF011December 23, 2020
Rest In Peace friend. Thank you for allowing me in your world. Leslie West was a rock and roll hall of fame member that didn’t need a statue nor ceremony to prove it. He just was and will always be. pic.twitter.com/PrMuxWnfXqDecember 23, 2020
Rest in Power #LeslieWest! I love his playing, singing and writing. A big influence on so many musicians, including myself. Leslie had THE SOUND in his hands. Was so cool to hang out with him at a NAMM dinner in ‘09, what a great friendly guy and phenomenal musician. R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/WsV25hmnB9December 23, 2020
Source: loudersound.com
