Leslie West & Mountain
at Woodstock 1969
Leslie West's proto-heavy metal guitar work with Mountain was one of the heaviest sounds at Woodstock.
Leslie West & Mountain — Woodstock 1969
Leslie West and Mountain brought a new level of sonic heaviness to Woodstock 1969. Led by the extraordinary guitarist Leslie West, whose powerful tone and technique presaged the heavy metal era, Mountain performed one of the loudest and most aggressive sets of the festival.
Leslie West was born in Forest Hills, Queens, New York in 1945. Before forming Mountain with bassist and producer Felix Pappalardi, West had been the guitarist in The Vagrants. It was Pappalardi who recognized West's unique tone and helped him develop the Mountain sound.
Their Woodstock performance was one of the first times such heavy, blues-based rock had been heard in that context. West's thick guitar tone cut through the festival air and created an immediate impact. Songs like "Blood of the Sun" and "Long Red" showcased his ability to sustain and manipulate notes in ways that influenced countless guitarists.
After Woodstock, Mountain released their debut album and achieved commercial success with "Mississippi Queen" in 1970, which remains a classic rock radio staple. The band broke up and reformed several times over the decades.
Leslie West continued playing until health issues limited him in later years. He passed away on December 22, 2020, leaving behind a legacy as one of rock's most distinctive guitarists.